Women's land rights sensitisation in Kasempa

Muselepete market

The sensitisation began at Muselepete market, engaging marketeers and passers-by on women's land rights. It opened with a drama in which a woman encourages her husband that they should acquire land together and that women also have the right to own land.

In the drama the husband, influenced by a culture that does not allow women to own land, suspects his wife wants to leave him, and a quarrel begins. A friend intervenes and explains the benefits of the husband and wife owning land together. The husband comes to understand and suggests sharing the message with the headman and the chief, as custodians of tradition.

Moderator Madam Muke Maggie then led a discussion. Many questions were asked about how to acquire land. Women said they did not have land of their own. Others asked where to take their cases when council had taken land despite offer letters from the chief, or when the same plot had been allocated to several people. Many asked where to find SEPA officers for help.

Chikonkomene

The team then moved to Chikonkomene, an area with mining activity subject to an injunction. After the drama, residents eagerly asked about the process of acquiring land and raised concerns about land without title.

Residents reported that they felt they had not received correct information and that their complaints had not been heard. SEPA officers explained that they work together with the council and other stakeholders.