Gender Equity in Participation in Land Cases Decision-Making Bodies in Tanzania: Evidence from Ward Tribunals

Abstract

Participation in decision-making is one of the
aspects of Sustainable Development and African
Agenda 2063. Gender equity in decision-making
bodies in Tanzania is considered a right and a tool
for women’s empowerment. In Tanzania, the law
encourages women’s and men’s involvement in
land case decision-making bodies. However,
women’s participation is not socially recognized.
The study examines gender equity in participation
in the Tindiga Ward Tribunal in the Kilosa District.
Data were collected through documentary reviews,
interviews, and Focus Group Discussions.
Purposive sampling was adopted in selecting the
study participants and data were analyzed through
content analysis (gathering opinions and concepts
within the obtained data). The findings indicated
that in Tindiga Ward Tribunal both men and
women were represented in the composition of the
members and quorum of the meetings as stipulated
by law. Village meetings were found to be the best
means of informing community members about
their rights to participate in decision-making
bodies. There was a claim that low levels of
education and socio-cultural norms blocked
women’s rights to apply for the membership
position in the Ward Tribunal. The study concludes
that in Tanzania, gender equity in participating in
land case decision-making bodies is partial.
Policies promoting gender equity in land decisionmaking should not ignore the role of education and
cultural practices that constrain such equity for the
good of the whole society.