Zamchiya launches campaign to secure women’s land ...

Zamchiya launches campaign to secure women’s land rights

Audrey Galawu

The Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies has announced an advocacy campaign to develop progressive policies and legal frameworks to secure equal land rights for women in customary tenure systems.

PLAAS said the organisation is finalising a documentary that amplifies women’s experiences on the implications of the privatisation of customary land on women’s tenure security and livelihoods.

PLAAS Senior Researcher Dr Phillan Zamchiya disclosed the information during a policy dialogue which was held on December 2, in partnership with Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa.

Dr Zamchiya said the outcome of the policy dialogues will be a regional framework that will be debated at the Southern African Development Community and African Union levels.

“The research team would return to the study sites to present the findings for the communities to validate them as a true reflection of their experiences given the regional context of the research.

“Given the regional context of the research, PLAAS would also hold a regional conference to share lessons the four countries in which the project is being undertaken,” he said.

Chipinge Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer Blessing Mamvosha urged all policy stakeholders, including traditional leaders and local authorities to prioritise dialogue in addressing the challenge of the privatisation of communal land.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Director Ropafadzo Pazvakavamba said government is developing a national land policy that would ensure that all tenure systems supported women’s land rights.