The landscape of women’s land and property rights in Kenya has transformed, thanks to the impactful efforts of Community Defenders Alliance – CDA land forums in empowering, educating, and enabling womn to acquire land and fully enjoy property rights.
With swift assistance provided by UAF-Africa, CDA took the initiative to establish women’s forums in villages. The primary objective was to equip women with educative discussions on crucial topics such as Land Rights, Good Governance of social assets/resources, Accountability, and Climate Change. CDA collaborated with religious leaders to ensure men’s active participation in these forums.
“These Women Land Forums really helped us. It is our place to discuss and solve our issues as women. Through these, we have helped six women from Kiamuringa Village and another from Kimangaru village to reclaim their land that had been grabbed,” Mercy, a forum member.
“This project has resulted in more women applying for land ownership, families applying for joint land ownership, and parents giving boys and girls equal land ownership rights.” Affirms the CDA Chair Lady.
Pauline, a forum participant who is now knowledgeable about women’s rights, helped a widow regain her land with the support of the Sub County Office.
The project’s efficiency was enhanced by building alliances and synergies with existing structures, the Ministry of Land, and local leadership in Mbeti and other targeted villages. This once again showcases the power of collective work and movement building. CDA believes this initiative should be supported to continue so that more women who still lack the knowledge and support to fight back can regain ownership of their lost land.
