A new study in Bangladesh reveals that women’s lack of land ownership is a major factor behind low female death registration rates. Conducted by James P Grant School of Public Health (JPGSPH), BRAC University; Johns Hopkins University; and Vital Strategies, the research shows only 32% of deaths registered in Rangpur Division (2023–2024) were female.

Families often skip registering women’s deaths unless tied to property or inheritance issues. Respondents cited reasons like “no land-related matters” or “no inheritance issues.” The study also highlights systemic barriers such as low awareness, bureaucratic complexity, and poor inter-agency coordination.

Experts urge reforms including gender-sensitive awareness campaigns, simplified registration processes, and linking death certificates to essential services to ensure women are not excluded from official records.

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