Equality for Growth (EfG) is dedicated to supporting women in both urban and rural communities. While women in fast-growing urban areas face distinct challenges regarding land ownership, surprisingly, more women in rural areas own land compared to their urban counterparts, as indicated in the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS) Report (2015-16
EfG focuses on addressing urban-related challenges to women’s land ownership in Tanzania and tests various models to overcome these obstacles. One significant area of concern is how women can navigate the dynamics of rapidly expanding cities such as Mbeya, Dar es Salaam, Dodoma, and Mwanza. Women encounter difficulties in accessing public land spaces, particularly trading spots, which are often managed by local government authorities (LGAs) and are not women-friendly. This lack of accessibility leads to discrimination and economic disempowerment among women.
EfG interventions aim to build the capacity of women, economically empower them, and facilitate their access to land and housing. Key factors impeding women’s access to land in urban centers include high costs, patriarchal beliefs, and unstable income. Through targeted interventions, women can overcome these barriers, ultimately addressing urban poverty.
EfG has piloted interventions that have yielded valuable lessons, demonstrating that empowering women can enhance economic governance and increase their access to land ownership and housing in urban areas. Additionally, these interventions explore complex issues such as gender relations, women’s multiple roles, land investment, and public transportation.