Zimbabwean Women Demand Equitable Land Redistribution

A group of twenty-six women's non-governmental organizations (NGOs) presented a position paper to the Zimbabwean government demanding that a new land distribution program be made more equitable for women.

The group, which has convened a two-day conference including European Union and World Bank officials, charges that women provide about 70% of all agricultural labor, yet face unwarranted obstacles in all areas of agriculture.

Group spokesperson Selina Mbengegwi highlighted several of the group's major objections to the land distribution. "Women should be given land in their own right, regardless of their marital status. In cases of married couples, there should be joint title to the land," she said.

Media Resources: : Reuters - September 10, 1998

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