Only 5% of women in Rwanda own houses registered in their names, while 35% co-own property with their husbands, according to the 2025 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey (RDHS).
The findings, released by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) on June 30, 2026, highlight persistent gender gaps in property ownership, access to assets, and financial decision-making.
The report shows that 9% of men own houses individually, while 28% co-own them with their wives. A majority of both women and men—59% and 61% respectively—do not own any house at all.
In land ownership, the survey indicates that only 4% of women own land individually, while 20% co-own it with their spouses. Among men, 8% own land individually and 17% co-own it. Overall, 74% of women and 73% of men reported having no land ownership.
The study also points to gaps in legal documentation of property. Among women who own houses, 43% have property registered in their names, while 46% have no ownership documents. A further 10% own houses not registered under their names.
For men, 41% have houses registered in their names, 6% are not listed on ownership documents, and 54% lack formal documentation.
On land ownership, 49% of women have land registered in their names, while 42% have no documentation. Among men, 47% have land registered in their names and 48% have no formal papers.
Beyond property ownership, the report highlights disparities in access to technology and financial services. Among people aged 15 to 49, 64% of women own mobile phones compared to 73% of men, while 28% of women own smartphones compared to 35% of men.
In the 12 months prior to the survey, 57% of women used mobile phones for financial transactions compared to 71% of men. Overall, 63% of women used bank accounts or mobile money services, against 74% of men.
The findings also show mixed progress in women’s participation in household decision-making. About 74% of women reported making decisions on their own health either alone or jointly with their partners, compared to 97% of men. However, 26% of women said their husbands still make final decisions on their health, while 3% of men reported similar dynamics.
In household decisions, 61% of married women said they are involved in key decisions such as healthcare, major purchases, and family visits, while 6% reported no involvement. Among men, 91% said they participate in major household decisions.
The survey further shows that 93% of men take the lead in decisions on major household purchases, compared to 77% of women.
On attitudes toward domestic violence, the report notes a decline in acceptance, with 30% of women and 15% of men agreeing with at least one justification for a husband to beat his wife. This represents a significant drop compared to the 2019–2020 survey.
Despite the gaps, the report highlights strong awareness of women’s rights in reproductive health. About 69% of women and 79% of men agreed that a woman has the right to refuse sex if she suspects her partner is unfaithful, while 85% of women and 91% of men supported a woman’s right to request condom use if a partner is at risk of infection.
