Research reveals, women are denied rights to land in SADC countries

A research report by the Akina Mama wa Africa on women’s rights to land and property ownership in three Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Countries namely Zambia,Malawi and eSwatini has revealed that women are denied the right to exercise these rights.

The Ugandan based Civil Society Organization partnered with women movements in Malawi, Swaziland and Zambia with support from Commonwealth foundation sought to contribute to securing women’s land rights in the wake of large scale land acquisitions in Africa.

The research further notes that the existence of laws supporting ownership of land by women is also not enough to guarantee the protection of women’s interests.

Speaking during the release of the findings in Lusaka, Akina Mama wa Africa Feminist and Transformation Lead Manager, Patience Ayebazibwe says it was also noted during the research that women in the three countries were not given access to land for traditional reasons, while in some cases, women only accessed land after getting married, but later lost it after the death of their spouses.

Ms. Ayebazibwe has since urged women to fight for their involvement in administrative positions if the situation is to change.

She has also appealed to the governments of eSwatini, Malawi and Zambia where the research was conducted to ensure that land is more accessible to women.

Speaking at the launch of the report, NGOCC Board Chairperson, Sarah Longwe bemoaned the low number of women with access and control to land.

Ms. Longwe notes that in many circumstances, women are not given complete rights to own land, a trend she says needs to urgently change.