New Delhi, March 8 -- Owning property is a big step toward financial independence for women. It provides status in society and an economic foundation.

"It is security for life, and it's their right," said Gautam Khurana, managing partner & founder, India Law Offices LLP in Delhi.

However, land ownership by women in India remains abysmal. Only 18.7% of women between the ages 15 and 49 own a house by themselves, while 13.7% own it jointly with someone else, according to World Bank data.

Historically, daughters are often excluded from property distribution after a father's death. "The brother doesn't have to ask; the sister has to ask. And when she asks, she is considered bad," said Amita Jadhav, at Coro India, a non-profit organization t...