Zimbabwe: – Kadoma City Council – Women access to equal property ownership

Gender inequality has been an issue with Kadoma populace and women have been the most affected in matters of housing ownership amongst widows and divorcees. A number of women were left homeless after the passing away of their spouses after relatives of the spouses inherit and deprive the immediate beneficiary, the wife from inheriting the property. Divorcees have also suffered the same fate, as they lose entitlement of properties to their husbands as most properties would be registered in the names of their husbands. City of Kadoma observed these disparities and initiated a programme on sensitisation of women in property ownership and encouraged women to facilitate either joint ownership and certificate of ownership whilst the spouses are still alive, or to hasten change of ownership through courts, police and women affairs, gender and community development department to facilitate change of ownership, waiting list registration and stands purchase.

The Broad objective was as follows:-  To act locally in empowering women in property ownership

Specific Objectives:- To give voice to underprivileged women access to stands through “pay for your stand scheme”.

To facilitate reduction of gender based violence among women.

To assist women get justice in terms of property ownership.

There were 1 500 direct beneficiaries and 99 288 indirect beneficiaries. The gender specific allocation for the project was $1 000 and $3 000for gender in mainstream projects. Inkind contributions were $1 000. The total budget was $5 000 towards the project.

Women are able to take part and boldly visit either City Council, the police and magistrate court for justice on matters of property rights. There has been snowballing of information among women and men. Women treatment by the society has improved for the better as women are equally land owners like men. Married women have also been empowerment and have benefited with the initiate through housing policy that gives leeway for spouse to jointly own the same property.

There has been challenges in Kadoma community in relating to women as equally potential people who require attention and assistance in property matters, especially disputes over property ownership. There has been a small number of man supportive of this good moral. Affected women have not been forthcoming to Council for rectification of their problem for fear of victimization. Only a considerable small number of people have been forthcoming after having been advised by other women who have been traumatized, verbally abused and left homeless. Some man in community have tendered to shun women who would have successes in addressing disputes over property ownership, stand purchase and waiting list registration.

“A women is equal important and deserves equal opportunities in property ownership. Am a champion through the pay for your stand scheme initiated by Council” Cathrine Kamombe, Accounts Supervisor. The campaign for equal opportunities and representation of women on housing ownership has changed positively, seen in that most men have been forthcoming to Council to include their wife and children’s names as beneficiaries.

Men can now perceive women as the only inheritors of properties in the event that they die, in order to have a place to raise the children from. Equality has been evidenced as women have been listened to and supported during field awareness visits in the community. People were reacting non-violently and were supportive of the drive to stop inequality in property ownership. Attendance of people at community ward meeting has proved that people are supporting the idea of empowering women in property ownership.  

Women involvement in accessing property ownership is essential as it ensures and increases sustainable livelihoods of Kadoma residents. The attitude of women has greatly improved due to the empowerment measures that had been facilitated by Council on property ownership. Men have also changed their attitudes ion property ownership, by involving women for consultation when acquiring a property and also having joint ownership with their spouse.  

Kadoma City Council as the policy maker in property ownership facilitated the drive for women’s property ownership through engagement of Ward Councillors to mobilize women in their ward to register and also purchase stands. The Housing procedure manual also facilitated smooth and proper property ownership of stands and also change of ownership , which gives equal access to both men and women. Female Council employs have also been able to benefit stands at 25% discount in 2017 and 2018.

Council emphasizes the procedures taken in property ownership, acquiring title deeds, certificate of occupation and certificate of authority through use of the Manual of Procedure and also community awareness meetings and workshops. In Zimbabwe women participation and involvement has become the root to sustainable development.

Council emphasizes the procedures taken in property ownership, acquiring title deeds, certificate of occupation and certificate of authority through use of the Manual of Procedure and also community awareness meetings and workshops. In Zimbabwe women participation and involvement has become the root to sustainable development.