Mzimba CSOs Praise Youth Group's Land Rights Project
MZIMBA, Malawi — Civil society organizations in Mzimba have commended a local youth group for its efforts to strengthen land tenure rights for women in the district, writes Victoria Yande.
Mzimba CSOs Chairperson Christopher Melele praised the Mzimba Youths Organisation (MYO) after inspecting the group's project aimed at enhancing food security by securing land rights for women.
"The importance of land ownership to women and girls cannot be overstated - it is a key driver for the development of this district," Melele said.
He urged residents, including women and girls, to register their land with the M'mbelwa District Council.
MYO's project is currently being implemented in the areas of Traditional Authorities Khosolo, M'mbelwa and Mzikuboola.
Chidembo Moyo, a member of the Mzimba Heritage Association, said women and girls already have the right to land, but the government needs to take a different approach to registration to avoid conflicts with cultural practices.
"Culture is dynamic, and certain cultural practices have changed in Mzimba due to the right approach used by advocates working with the chiefs," Moyo said.
Bijita Shunga, a victim of land grabbing from Makhangala village, said working with traditional leaders and organizations like MYO helped resolve her land dispute.
"I was once a victim who had my land grabbed by relatives, but with the assistance of Mzimba Youth Organisation and the chiefs, the land has been given back to me," Shunga said.
MYO's executive director vowed to continue empowering women and girls through land tenure rights across Mzimba district.
"This program is making a real difference in the lives of women and girls, and we are committed to expanding our efforts," the director said.