Mzimba Communities Praise Youth Organization for Land Justice Efforts
MYO continues to educate communities on land rights, aiming to change mindsets and improve women's and girls' welfare in land management.
MZIMBA, Malawi— The Khosolo Women Action Group has commended Malawi's new land law for improving land tenure justice among vulnerable groups in Mzimba district, writes Victoria Yande.
Bridget Shunga, 55, from Makhangala village in Traditional Authority Khosolo's area, praised the Mzimba Youth Organisation (MYO) for empowering her to secure land ownership.
"I had zero knowledge on land laws, but now I am aware that even women have the right to own land," Shunga said. She regained her land after her husband left for South Africa 20 years ago and his brother attempted to seize it.
Group Village Headman Makhangala noted that land grabbing was previously rampant due to cultural factors.
"Organizations must continue educating villagers on land rights so that every corner is reached," he said.
Moses Nkhana, Executive Director of MYO, expressed satisfaction that women in Mzimba have started owning land through their interventions.
"We believe this will lead to food security among livelihoods in Mzimba," Nkhana said.
Kate Chibwana, National Facilitator from the National Land Coalition Malawi, applauded both men and women for accepting the land laws.
"There was resistance from a cultural perspective, but people are now understanding land policies are there to help the local people," Chibwana said.
The MYO continues to educate communities on land rights, aiming to change mindsets and improve women's and girls' welfare in land management.