Land Ownership For Women In Zanzibar: A Challenge That Demands Courage To Overcome

 

BY AHMED ABDULLA,Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island with a long and rich history, shaped by a unique blend of Arab, Persian, African, and Swahili influences. Its economy largely depends on tourism, fishing, clove farming, and small-scale trade sectors that have long sustained the livelihoods of its people. Despite the progress of the 21st century, many communities in Zanzibar still adhere to traditional family structures and cultural norms in which men are often given greater authority over property and land ownership.

In this cultural context, land is not only a source of income but also a symbol of dignity, heritage, and family authority. Owning land signifies having a voice in family and community decision-making, empowering individuals to achieve economic independence. However, despite women’s significant contributions to agriculture, trade, and household welfare, many remain marginalized when it comes to owning land or registering property in their own names.

While men in Zanzibar often inherit, buy, or are granted land with relative ease, many women continue to struggle quietly to secure their own pieces of land whether through inheritance, purchase, or personal effort.

One of them is Asma Sadiki Mzee, a resident of Bungi and a TOT (Trainer of Trainers) who has received leadership and climate change adaptation training. Asma recalls that her decision to buy land was born out of hardship in her marriage.

“I lived with my husband for many years. We started with nothing but supported each other until we built our home. When the house was finally complete, he married another woman and left me without a place to call my own. I started a small business and, through perseverance, managed to buy a piece of land and build my own house,” Asma recounts with determination.

Like Asma, many women in Zanzibar are beginning to take bold steps toward economic independence after experiencing family challenges. They are realizing that land ownership is not just about wealth it is about dignity, stability, and financial security.

Ms salama Juma Haji, from Unguja Ukuu Kae Pwani, shares a similar story. She now owns her own house, built from profits earned through her agricultural produce business. Ms salama explains that her motivation came from leadership training under the ZANZ ADAPT project, which aims to empower women to become self-reliant, save, and own property.

“I have managed to build my own house in Kizimkazi. The ZANZ ADAPT training taught me that everyone can own and manage their property. I’m currently in the process of registering my land so I can obtain an official title deed,” said Ms salama.

The ZANZ ADAPT project has played a vital role in raising awareness among women about the importance of owning and registering land. The program emphasizes that securing one’s property is essential to achieving gender equality and family well-being especially for women who are leading in climate change adaptation, farming, and entrepreneurship.

Similarly, organizations such as TAMWA-Zanzibar (Tanzania Media Women’s Association Zanzibar) have been at the forefront of spreading awareness about women’s land rights through media programs.

Saphia Ngalapi, TAMWA-ZNZ’s Communication Manager, notes that their institution has been conducting radio programs, publishing articles, and hosting discussions to encourage women to register land in their own names.

“We use the media to reach as many people as possible. We educate women about the importance of having title deeds because a title is the legal proof of land ownership. This awareness helps women take action,” explained Ngalapi.

Despite these efforts, deep-rooted cultural norms continue to hinder progress.

Asma Vuai, another woman from Unguja, observes that social attitudes often deny women the opportunity to become economically independent.

“In my community, women are seen only as people who should get married. When they divorce or lose their husbands, they return to their parents’ homes with no control over property. I learned that when a woman owns land, it’s not arrogance it’s peace of mind and economic freedom,” Asma said.

Legally, women in Zanzibar have equal rights to own land just like men.

The Land Tenure Act No. 12 of 1992 and the Land Adjudication Act No. 7 of 1994 both recognize the right of every citizen male or female to own land without discrimination.

Section 3(2) of the Land Tenure Act No. 12 of 1992 explicitly states:

Every citizen of Zanzibar, whether male or female, shall have the right to acquire land under this Act without discrimination on the basis of sex, religion, or marital status.

However, the greatest obstacle lies in implementation. Cultural traditions still discourage many women from claiming or registering land in their own names.

In Zanzibar, the Community Forests Pemba (CFP) organization has been instrumental in educating women about climate change resilience and their legal rights to own land.

Mbaruk Mussa Omar, CFP’s Director, explains that through the ZANZ ADAPT project, their organization has conducted training on agroforestry, mangrove conservation, and sustainable farming while encouraging women to recognize their right to own the land they cultivate.

“Through workshops and training sessions, women have become aware not only of climate-smart agriculture but also of the importance of legally owning the land they use,” Mbaruk explained.

He adds that lack of title deeds once denied women access to loans and increased the risk of land loss. Thanks to continuous education, many women are now taking legal steps to secure ownership, boosting productivity and resilience against climate change.

To truly prioritize women’s land rights, Asma Vuai urges society to change its mindset.

“We should stop training girls to buy household items and decorations in preparation for marriage. Instead, let’s empower them to buy assets like land, just as boys are encouraged to do,” she said passionately.

Also Ms Salama Juma Haji adds her voice, calling on the ministry of education and vocational training to introduce school curricula that inspire young girls to value owning property, houses, and land acquired through their hard work.

“We often tell girls to dream of marrying a man with a big house, money, and cars, but what values are we teaching them?” she asked.

It is evident that as education, awareness, and gender equality strengthen, more women will register land in their own names. This will not only mark a victory for women but also a milestone toward a fairer Zanzibar, one where families are more secure, communities are more resilient, and sustainable development thrives in the face of climate change