UKIJANI Project: Zainab’s Leadership Journey in Land Ownership and Economic Empowerment

By Deogratius Koyanga

Despite the prevailing societal belief that women do not have the right to own land, Zainab Hamis Husein’s story stands as a testament to breaking these barriers. Zainab, a beneficiary of the UKIJANI Project, has not only gained access to land ownership but has also contributed to changing the gender narrative within her community.

As Zainab shares, "Initially, women were not seen as rightful owners of land, but with the training and guidance from the UKIJANI Project, my husband and I decided to legally transfer land ownership to me. This was not just about property but about acknowledging my rights as a woman in accordance with Tanzania’s legal framework."

The Tanzanian Land Act No. 4 of 1999 and Land (Amendment) Act No. 5 of 1999 promote gender equality in land ownership, ensuring that women have the legal right to own land, inherit it, and be involved in decision-making concerning land use. These laws have paved the way for women like Zainab to assert their rights, despite societal challenges. According to these Acts, women have equal rights to land as men, and any system that excludes women from land ownership violates their constitutional rights.

Transforming Marital and Family Relationships Through Land Ownership

Zainab's story highlights how land ownership has not only empowered her economically but also strengthened her marriage. Her husband, Mr. Ramadhani Mohamed, also known as Kitifui, shares his transformation: “Before Zainab received training on land ownership, I was the sole owner of our land. After learning about the importance of giving women equal rights over land, especially through the training provided by UKIJANI, I transferred part of the land to her. This has brought peace and security to our family.”

The couple decided to ensure that both their sons and daughters received equal portions of land, reinforcing gender equality within their household. “I now see the importance of land ownership for my wife and children, and I feel that with the knowledge from the UKIJANI Project, our family is now more secure, both legally and economically.”

The Impact of UKIJANI’s Training and Empowerment Programs

Zainab, having attended leadership and resource management training as part of the UKIJANI Project, is not just an empowered landowner but a change-maker in her community. “I learned the significance of land ownership and women’s rights through UKIJANI’s training. I shared this knowledge with my husband, and together, we decided to take action. Our farm is now a demonstration plot for other community members, showcasing sustainable farming practices and environmental conservation.”

Zainab and Ramadhani’s land has become a "training farm" for their community, focusing on organic farming methods, environmental conservation, and the principles of the UKIJANI Project. As Zainab says, “We’ve taken this further by training other women on land ownership and environmental stewardship, showing them the benefits of sustainable farming practices.”

Economic Transformation and Gender Equity Through Land Ownership

Land ownership has been a transformative force in Zainab’s life. It has not only provided her with a sense of security and independence but also allowed her to contribute to her family’s economic growth. “Through the UKIJANI Project, I have been able to grow our family’s income, start a new construction project for a larger, more modern house, and improve our living standards. This would not have been possible without the land and the knowledge we’ve gained.”

Additionally, Zainab’s efforts have had a ripple effect in her community. She reached out to 62 women, offering them training on land ownership and environmental care, encouraging them to run for leadership positions. As Zainab recalls, “One woman ran for a ward chairperson position, and eight others contested and won positions on the village government. This shows that empowering women to own land and take leadership roles transforms the community.”

A Future of Sustainability and Equal Rights

Zainab's future plans include expanding her land’s capacity for agricultural production, continuing to educate more women about land ownership, and advocating for gender equality in land rights. She also plans to use her platform to continue pushing for the advancement of environmental sustainability practices within her community, all while promoting the value of women in leadership roles.

However, challenges remain. Zainab highlights water access as one of the biggest obstacles to expanding their farm’s production. “We need a deeper well to ensure consistent water supply. Currently, we rely on a hand-dug well that is unreliable. Having a deeper, sustainable water source would significantly reduce production costs and increase profitability,” she adds.

Legal Framework Supporting Women’s Land Rights

The Tanzanian Land Act No. 4 of 1999 and Land (Amendment) Act No. 5 of 1999 lay the foundation for legal land rights for women, ensuring that women are recognized as equal partners in land ownership. These Acts were designed to give women the right to inherit, own, and manage land in a manner that promotes gender equality and prevents discrimination. For women like Zainab, these legal provisions have made land ownership a practical and achievable goal, empowering them not only economically but also in leadership and decision-making roles within their families and communities.

The UKIJANI Project, in line with these legal frameworks, continues to uplift women, ensuring their full participation in the economic, social, and political spheres of society.