DAR ES SALAAM: MINISTER for Lands, Housing and Human Settlement Development Deogratius Ndejembi said on Monday that the future of land governance in Africa must prioritise gender equality, making it not just an aspiration but a reality.
Mr Ndejembi was speaking during the opening of the First African Women Land Professionals Association Conference in Dar es Salaam.
The two-day event brought together over 14 countries to address the role of women in the land matters. In addition to Tanzania, other countries participating in the conference include Kenya, Uganda and Mozambique.
The minister explained the importance of continued efforts to dismantle structural barriers that hinder women’s participation in land-related issues.
“We must advocate for the continued inclusion of women in decision-making processes and support their professional development in the land sector,” Ndejembi said.
He called for ongoing struggles to ensure that women have equal access and opportunities in land governance, noting that initiatives such as the African Land Policy Centre’s Women’s Empowerment Programme are essential. The programme focuses on providing targeted training and support to women professionals in the land sector, something that Ndejembi believes is vital for their growth.
“Education and training programmes must be tailored to empower women. Legal reforms must protect and enhance their land rights,” he added.
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Ardhi University Vice Chancellor Professor Evaristo Liwa echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the importance of educating women in land governance.
“We want women who are key players in the country’s development to understand how they can contribute to national progress through land use,” Prof Liwa said.
On her part, an accomplished Business Management Professional from Kenya, Ms Rose Mwaura said their aim is to encourage the young generation of women in land governance by teaching them the importance of land profession.
In conclusion, according to data from the International Land Coalition, regions with gender-sensitive land policies have seen a 20 per cent increase in women’s land ownership and control.
This highlights the positive impact of initiatives focused on improving gender equality in land governance. The conference marked a significant step toward addressing gender disparities in land management across the African continent, with participants sharing knowledge, challenges and solutions to promote gender-inclusive policies.
The discussions underscored the critical role of women in the land sector and the need for continued investment in their professional development.
