Exploring Socio-Cultural Barriers to Gogo Women’s Land Ownership in Tanzania

Penueli Ramadhani Mbonea & Elizabeth Msoka
St John’s University of Tanzania
Email: penuelimbonea@gmail.com

Abstract: The study aimed to explore key socio-cultural factors impeding Gogo women’s land ownership inf Bahi District, Dodoma-Tanzania. A descriptive survey design was employed, utilizing a mixed research approach to encompass both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The study utilized simple random and purposive sampling techniques to select a sample size of 100 respondents, consisting of 90 women and 10 key informants. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data underwent content analysis. The findings revealed that the key socio-cultural factors that impede Gogo women land ownership are polygamy system, property inheritance, women property ownership rights and patriarchal system. These factors undermine women’s rights and contribute to underdevelopment within the Gogo society. Socio-cultural and beliefs play a great role in understanding how women are restricted to gaining access to land. The study recommends that the government, through Ministry of Land and Ministry of Gender should initiate nationwide campaigns to raise of women legal rights to inherit and own land. Furthermore, Educational institutions like schools, Colleges and Universities should incorporate gender rights education into curricula. Additionally, Policymakers need to revise the land law and if possible, remove the customary land laws that have been discriminatory to women. Besides, the NGOs suggest that outreach activities in the form of alliances and dialogues could be useful in tackling this problem. Finally, Local Leaders and Chiefs should be involved in community dialogues aimed at revising discriminatory traditional practices that limit women’s inheritance rights. By implementing these recommendations, the Gogo community can foster a more inclusive environment that empowers women to claim their rights to land ownership.