WOMEN TAKE ACTION ON LAND AND PROPERTY RIGHTS: A GRASSROOTS HOUSING INITIATIVE IN HARARE, ZIMBABWE

Abstract

Realizing land and property rights is an integral aspect of poverty reduction, and gender equality Land is a primary means for generating livelihood and a main vehicle for investing and accumulating wealth.  Since independence in 1980, the Government of Zimbabwe has been formulating policies to ensure equity and equality of land and property ownership between men and women across all ages. However despite these efforts, land and property rights for women in Zimbabwe remain elusive. 

This case study and video elaborate on one of the most innovative practices that the Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association (ZPHCA) has been implementing. It aspires to ensure that government authorities respect, protect and fulfill the rights of women, guaranteeing grassroots women access to and control of land, property and housing. We learnt that the use of video as a mouthpiece is an important innovative practice which amplified our voices and visibility for recognition. Hence it pushed the local Authority to settle our issue for the first project of 42 housing stands due to fear of negative publicity.