GENDER AND LAND DISPOSSESSION IN ZIMBABWE: A CASE OF THE NDEBELE AT ESIGODINI AREA 1893–2003

Abstract

The Ndebele ethnic group in Zimbabwe has probably experienced more land dispossessions than any other ethnic group stretching from the 1890s with the coming of the whites. Most of this history,unfortunately, is not well documented. Based on an oral history approach, this article focuses on the gendered dimension of land dispossession. It seeks to answer questions such as: do men and women view land ownership and land issues in the same way? Did the land dispossessions, which took place for more than one hundred years in Zimbabwe particularly in the Ndebele ethnic group, affect the way land is viewed gender wise? The article further sought to find out how women have been historically marginalised or emancipated in the community. Given the importance of land in any culture, the article seeks to find out how a shift in the way land is viewed gender wise can improve the lives of many in the Ndebele ethnic group. The research was conducted in Esikhoveni Village in Esigodini, Matabeleland-South. It was based on oral history, targeting the headmen and other elders noted for their wisdom and knowledge of the area. A total of sixteen interviews were conducted using judgemental and snowball strategies. The article reveals that land was considered an important resource in the area. Women had limited opportunities for land ownership in the village. Culture and tradition were still dominant over legal provisions when it comes to land and gender issues. The article recommends a new and more rigorous approach by the government and other stakeholders to change the cultural and traditional perceptions of the rural communities in order to achieve gender balance regarding land ownership and allocation.