A land forum on women’s land rights in Nigeria

On March 8th, the African Law Foundation (AFRILAW), a member of the International Land Coalition (ILC), partnered with the Network of Women in Agriculture Nigeria (NWIA) to stage a community gender awareness campaign and a media outreach campaign in commemoration of the International Women’s Day in Enugu State, Nigeria.

With the theme: “I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Land Rights”, the two events brought together members of the fourth estate, non-governmental organisations, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), government officials and grassroots women.

The Enugu State community women land forum

The main challenge of women’s participation in Agriculture in Enugu State is lack of access to productive resources like land. In efforts to strengthen women’s land rights and promote rural women’s access to use, control, own, inherit and dispose off their land, a community women land forum was held a day before women’s day which attracted about 50 rural women representing various communities.

Moderating the exchange was the former Chairperson of International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Prof Felicia Anyogu. She encouraged women to practice diversity in their agricultural processes. A move she believes will contribute towards improving productivity and uncap the economy.

During the event, Mr Okereke Chukwunwike Chijioke the Executive Director, African Law Foundation (AFRILAW) discussed challenges women face. He told participants the many laws that exist to protect women do not easily facilitate access to land. He hinted that some cultural practices bar women from land ownership.

“The barriers and restrictions to women’s right to land in Nigeria are caused by numerous social discriminations, harmful traditional practices, norms and cultures,” said Mr Chijioke.

“Land rights of rural women should be guaranteed and protected by the government to improve women’s livelihood, social and economic development for improving agriculture and food security in Nigeria.”

Radio engagement on women’s rights in Nigeria

A public engagement that discussed women’s rights in Nigeria was held on Monday, March 9, 2020, at 9-10 am at the Family Love FM Radio Station in Ngwo, Enugu State organised by AFRILAW Foundation.

Mr Chijioke and Mrs Miracle Okoro, Programme Assistant, AFRILAW moderated the exchange with Nigerians. It discussed the journey to women’s land rights in Nigeria and the importance of gender equality for sustainable economic development. While the show sensitised 50 rural women about their land rights and natural resources, it also provided a platform to engage stakeholders and policymakers in the country.