By Br. John Cornel Sulle OFMCap | Executive Director
Project: Influencing Land Rights for Women in Karatu District
Project ID: #57643 • http://goto.gg/57643
Organization: The A’ray Justice and Peace Initiative (TAJPI)
Introduction
Land is a vital resource in rural Tanzania and forms the backbone of household livelihoods, especially in Karatu District where most people depend on agriculture. However, limited land rights protection and lack of official documentation continue to cause disputes, discourage long-term land investment, and restrict household economic growth. Women are disproportionately affected, often lacking knowledge of their rights and access to legal support needed to secure land ownership.
TAJPI’s 2019 assessment of women’s land ownership in Karatu revealed that many women are unaware of their legal entitlements, face cultural barriers to inheritance, and are underrepresented in local land administration. These challenges contribute to women’s increased vulnerability to land dispossession and economic insecurity.
In response, TAJPI initiated this project to facilitate land formalization and support 100 women in obtaining legal documentation and Title Deeds. We continue to make progress despite limited resources, largely due to strong local volunteer contributions and community partnerships.
Highlights This Quarter
During this reporting period, TAJPI strengthened collaboration with LANDESA https://www.landesa.org/what-we-do/tanzania/ through the Stand for Her Land (S4HL) campaign. Together with other civil society organizations, we contributed to the development of a Manifesto on Women’s Land Rights in Tanzania.
Key Objectives of the Manifesto
Legal Foundations Supporting Women’s Land Rights
Challenges Identified
Fundraising Update
To date, TAJPI has raised:
Source: Amount (USD) Notes: GlobalGiving $27 Online contributions
Local Contributions $1,600 : $1,000 in-kind + $600 cash
Total Raised: $1,627 — representing 4.73% of the project goal of $34,376.
We deeply appreciate the generosity of our supporters. The dedication of TAJPI staff and local volunteers has been crucial in sustaining activities despite limited funding.
Activities Completed This Quarter
Activity Outcome
Awareness sessions with local leaders
Improved understanding of women’s land rights among village leadership.
Participation in Stand for Her Land (S4HL) campaign
Co-developed and endorsed a national manifesto promoting women’s land rights.
Call to Action
Government: Ensure gender-responsive implementation of land laws.
Communities: Challenge customs that deny women inheritance and ownership.
Women: Seek legal support to register and protect your land rights.
Stakeholders: Support legal, technical, and financial capacity-building for women.
Next Quarter Plans (Nov 2025 – Feb 2026)
Appreciation
We extend our warmest gratitude to all donors and supporters—both local and international. Your contributions help ensure that women in Karatu can secure their land rights, strengthen their families, and build more resilient communities.
We kindly encourage continued support. Empowering women to own land is foundational to sustainable development: when women are secure, families and communities thrive.
Project Slogan:
“Land is Life — when Women Are Empowered, Society Rises.”
Submitted by:
The A’ray Justice and Peace Initiative (TAJPI) Team
Rhotia Village, Karatu District
October 2025
Links:
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