Rural Women’s Forum Unites Over 200 Women from Southern Highlands

By Friday Simbaya, Mbeya

Beyond financial resources, women need access to land, information, technology, and natural resources in order to make autonomous decisions—especially when it comes to land ownership. Experts estimate that enabling women to access these critical resources could help them meet their basic needs and grow small businesses, ultimately improving their economic well-being.

However, a significant gap persists in access to credit for women operating small and medium enterprises. Studies indicate that closing this gap could boost annual earnings by an average of 12 percent by 2030.

Despite making up over one-third of the agricultural workforce, women still face serious challenges. In 87% of countries with available data, women have limited or insecure rights to own or control agricultural land.

Tanzania Rural Women’s Forum Gathering

These issues were at the center of a gathering that brought together more than 200 women from the Southern Highlands regions, organized by the Tanzania Rural Women’s Forum. According to the Forum’s Executive Director, Catherine Mulaga, the event was held in celebration of International Women’s Day and served as a platform for dialogue on women’s development.

“One of the major topics discussed was climate change, its impact on communities, and strategies to address it,” said Mulaga.

Participants also engaged in conversations around gender-based violence, women’s land rights, and access to clean and sustainable energy, all essential for protecting the environment and improving rural livelihoods.

Another key focus was the preservation and promotion of indigenous seed varieties.

“We are encouraging women to embrace sustainable seeds that are more resilient to climate change,” she added.

Voices from the Ground

Zitta Said, a participant from Msanda Muungano Village in Rukwa Region, said the forum enlightened her on women’s land rights.

“In our village, women still face discrimination when it comes to owning land. With this new knowledge, I plan to raise awareness among fellow women to claim their rights,” she said.

Zitta shared her personal struggles, saying:

“In my family, I was denied access to ancestral land just because I got married. I was told I no longer belong and had already been ‘given away’ through marriage.”

Empowered by what she learned, Zitta plans to return to her home village of Mkunda and demand her rightful share of her father’s land.

Touching on gender-based violence, she added:

“Women work in the fields with babies strapped on their backs, gather firewood in the rain, while men spend their time drinking. When we return home, we face beatings and insults for not having food ready.”

Jovina Madebwe, from Malagosi Village in rural Iringa, said the forum shed light on the importance of preserving traditional seeds.

“We used to rely on modern hybrid seeds, but now I understand that indigenous seeds are safer for our health and more reliable for food security,” she noted.

Similarly, Fenida Malefya, from Ikumbi Village in rural Mbeya, emphasized the harmful effects of commercial seeds.

“These seeds bring diseases and high costs. We must protect and continue using our traditional varieties,” she insisted.

Stakeholders Speak Out

Lilian Mtendamema, a Community Development Officer from the Mbeya District Council, stressed the importance of combating gender-based violence.

“Whenever women experience abuse, they must report it to relevant authorities like the police, social welfare offices, religious leaders, or village officials.”

Vaileti Mkoma, Chairperson of the Tanzania Rural Women’s Forum (RWAA), urged women to lead by example in rejecting behaviors that perpetuate violence in their communities.

Meanwhile, Daria Rugumura, an advisor to the Forum, underlined the ongoing challenge of land access for women.

“Women are the backbone of agriculture, yet they are consistently denied the right to own land. They must continue raising their voices.”

A Call for Liberation

During the International Women’s Day celebrations on March 8, rural women issued a firm statement against systemic oppression, exploitation, and marginalization.

“For generations, rural women have been the backbone of society. Yet, they continue to face severe economic and social challenges. We must unite to demand our rights and ensure our voices are heard,” read the Forum’s official declaration.

These commemorations served not only as a celebration but also as a powerful reminder of the struggles facing rural women worldwide—and a call to action for communities to respect and uphold their rights.