Gender Equity in Participation in Land Cases Decision-Making Bodies in Tanzania: Evidence from Ward Tribunals

Participation in decision-making is one of the aspects of Sustainable Development and African Agenda 2063. Gender equity in decision-making bodies in Tanzania is considered a right and a tool for women’s empowerment. In Tanzania, the law encourages women’s and men’s involvement in land case decision-making bodies. However, women’s participation is not socially recognized. The study examines gender equity in participation in the Tindiga Ward Tribunal in the Kilosa District.Data were collected through documentary reviews, interviews, and Focus Group Discussions. Purposive sampling was adopted in selecting the study participants and data were analyzed through content analysis (gathering opinions and concepts within the obtained data). The findings indicated that in Tindiga Ward Tribunal both men and women were represented in the composition of the members and quorum of the meetings as stipulated by law. Village meetings were found to be the best means of informing community members about their rights to participate in decision-making bodies. There was a claim that low levels of education and socio-cultural norms blocked women’s rights to apply for the membership position in the Ward Tribunal. The study concludes that in Tanzania, gender equity in participating in land case decision-making bodies is partial. Policies promoting gender equity in land decision-making should not ignore the role of education and cultural practices that constrain such equity for the good of the whole society.