Insecure land rights for women are a very big threat to women empowerment and the fight on gender equality. Cases of women being disinherited after losing a spouse are common in Kenya. This has contributed to women and children being left destitute and vulnerable, compromising the lives of once happily settled families.
After the promulgation of the 2010 Kenyan constitution which is very progressive and recognizes women rights it was expected that the implementation would follow. However, that has not been the case. Women are being held back by backward customary laws and practices,which continue to prohibit women from owning or inheriting land and other forms of property. Women only enjoy secondary rights to land by association to male relatives. This is despite the law being protective to widows. The patriarchal cultural practices subject women and children to poverty or at the mercy of relatives from the father’s side.
To support women in their quest for justice, AfriNOV has supported their efforts by offering training on understanding the provisions of the law. They have supported mediation, arbitration and negotiations with families in order to protect women’s land and property rights. They have supported through journeying together in seeking for the legal channels to pursue their rights through challenging the obstacles in the system denying them the opportunity to enjoy the provisions in the Kenya Constitution 2010.
Widows rights awareness
Working with Nandi Women Network group AfriNOV has been able to shine a light on the plight of Widows in Nandi county of the North rift part of Kenya. Over 15 widows have had their land rights cases decided in their favour due to increased awareness of their rights and the continued support of AfriNOV through organization training.
There’s increased understanding of the social and legal context within which women’s land and property rights are governed. Increased awareness on Land rights and participation. Increased collaboration with local government systems and creating a network with legal system practitioners
AfriNov has supported creation of a Safe space for sharing, building a group of courageous women ready to push for their rights nonviolently.
