Relationship Between Children's Homelessness in Developing Countries and the Failure of Women's Rights Legislation

This paper explores the relationship between women's and children's homelessness in the context of existing rights legislation and cultural attitudes. It argues that children's homelessness cannot be understood in isolation from the economic precariousness of their mothers and their inequality in relation to a range of human rights. The paper draws upon a recent study of homelessness in nine developing countries (Peru, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Egypt, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and China) to highlight how, despite the adoption and ratification of a raft of protective instruments, political and cultural attitudes place women and children at risk of homelessness. It also highlights some examples of interventions to support women's and children's rights to a safe home.