Women’s Rights to Land For Economic Empowerment is about ensuring women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for productive resources, employment and land in particular. This project, among other things, supports the organisation:

• To identify differences among women and men as to accessing land in Tanzania under the customary land tenure system,
• To identify the contributions of on-going land reforms in increasing women’s access to land in their respective areas (villages),
• To assess the constraints and opportunities affecting access to land by women economically and socially and
• To assess the influence of religion and intermarriage on women’s access to land for economics earning as well as to identify and form women’s mechanisms/groups to protect women against any possible loss of their access rights.

This project is part of an Empowerment Accelerator pilot grant. These grants are for previous Empowerment grantees that would like to deepen and/or continue their empowerment journey. Lareto Co-operative Society has also implemented https://voice.global/grantees/contributing-to-gender-equality/

Introduction:

The Women’s Rights to Land project, embarked on a transformative journey aimed at fostering gender equality within pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities. The project’s overarching goal was to empower women and young mothers economically through advocacy for land rights and entrepreneurship. Through targeted activities and engagements, the project sought to instil confidence, impart skills, and create opportunities for sustainable livelihoods among marginalized women.

Project Implementation:

The implementation of the Women’s Rights to Land project was marked by a series of meticulously planned activities aimed at empowering women within pastoralist communities. From capacity-building sessions to establishing community banks, the project unfolded with a focus on fostering entrepreneurship and advocating for women’s land rights. One of the project’s key initiatives was to build advocacy capacity among pastoralist women and young mothers. Through workshops and training sessions, participants gained insights into the importance of women’s land rights for economic empowerment. Additionally, the project facilitated the formation of women’s networks to strengthen advocacy approaches and amplify voices for change. A significant aspect of the project was the establishment of village community banks, providing financial support to women entrepreneurs. Seed capital was distributed to women-led businesses, fostering economic independence and job creation within the communities. Furthermore, the project organized events like the Maasai festival to celebrate entrepreneurial success and challenge cultural stigmas surrounding women’s land rights.

Impact and Transformation:

The project catalyzed profound changes within pastoralist communities, leaving a lasting impact on women’s empowerment and economic development. Through targeted interventions, the project witnessed tangible outcomes and transformations, both at individual and community levels. One of the most significant impacts of the project was the enhanced economic autonomy of women. By providing financial literacy training and access to seed capital, women entrepreneurs were empowered to start or expand their businesses, thereby generating income and employment opportunities. This economic empowerment not only improved the standard of living for women and their families but also contributed to community development. Moreover, the project fostered a shift in societal norms and attitudes towards women’s roles and rights. Advocacy efforts and community engagements challenged traditional beliefs and cultural barriers, paving the way for greater gender equality and social inclusion. Women’s participation in decision-making forums and leadership roles increased, signaling a positive shift towards more inclusive governance structures. The project also facilitated knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives, strengthening the resilience of communities in the face of challenges such as climate change and land disputes. By equipping women with skills and resources, the project promoted sustainable practices in agriculture and livestock management, leading to improved food security and environmental conservation.

Lessons Learned:

Throughout the implementation of the project, several valuable lessons were learnt, providing insights for future initiatives in women’s empowerment and community development. Firstly, the importance of inclusive and participatory approaches cannot be overstated. Engaging stakeholders at all levels, including government authorities, community leaders, and beneficiaries, fosters ownership and sustainability of project outcomes. Secondly, addressing cultural norms and traditional practices requires nuanced strategies. Sensitivity to local customs and beliefs is essential for effective advocacy and behaviour change interventions. Additionally, proactive risk management, particularly regarding exchange rate fluctuations, is crucial for financial sustainability. Adequate planning and mitigation strategies can help minimize potential disruptions to project activities.

Conclusion:

By empowering women, challenging cultural norms, and fostering inclusive development, the project has laid the foundation for lasting change and sustainable growth. As communities continue to reap the benefits of increased women’s participation and economic independence, the project’s empowerment will endure, inspiring future initiatives and initiatives in pursuit of social justice and equity within the pastoralist community.