Women from various African countries gathered at the foot of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania to demand land rights Oct. 15, during observations of International Day of Rural Women [6]. The protest, dubbed the "Women to Kilimanjaro Initiative [7]," is an attempt [8] to bring attention to denial of land rights and other unequal treatment women face across various economic sectors. [Organizers noted that women are particularly vulnerable to land-grabbing in countries where rural families often lack legal title to their lands, and are less likely to receive just compensation for lost lands. A small delegation of women even climbed the peak itself—an elevation of nearly 6,000 meters above sea level—in a symbolic statement of their determination.] Under the social media campaign #Women2Kilimanjaro [9], the women called on governments to enforce laws and policies that promote land rights and gender justice. The women also circulated a petition [10] that will be delivered to regional leaders in the coming days.
From Jurist [11], Oct. 16. Used with permission.
