An Investigation on the Barriers that Face Women in Accessing Land in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region.

Komba, Frank Winfrid (2024) An Investigation on the Barriers that Face Women in Accessing Land in Ukerewe District, Mwanza Region. Masters thesis, The Open University of Tanzania.

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Abstract

This research paper investigates the barriers that women face in accessing land, with a specific focus on Ukerewe District in Mwanza Region. The study aimed to assess the level of awareness among women regarding their legal rights related to land ownership and control, identify the socio-economic factors that hinder women's access to land in the targeted population, and examine community perceptions regarding women's land access. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with a sample of women from Ukerewe. The findings reveal significant obstacles faced by Tanzanian women in asserting their property rights. Despite legal protections such as the Land Acts of 1999 and the National Land Policy of 1995, discriminatory practices persist, driven by outdated laws, conflicting legal frameworks, and weak governance structures. Cultural norms and traditional beliefs further exacerbate these challenges, restricting women's participation in decision-making processes and perpetuating gender disparities in land ownership. The study also found that women often lack awareness of their legal rights and encounter numerous barriers when attempting to exercise these rights. Inadequate resources and expertise within law enforcement agencies further contribute to the ineffective enforcement of women's property rights, increasing their vulnerability to land grabbing and dispossession. Based on these findings, the study recommends urgent legislative reforms to align national legal provisions with international human rights standards and promote gender equality in land tenure systems. Strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing awareness through targeted education and advocacy initiatives are essential steps toward empowering women and ensuring their full enjoyment of property rights. Addressing these systemic challenges will enable Tanzania to advance its commitment to gender equality and social justice.

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