The contributions of Property and Inheritance Rights (PIR) programmes to the empowerment of widows: A study of selected Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Binga, Zimbabwe.

Abstract

This study examines the contributions of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) driven Property and Inheritance Rights (PIR) programmes towards the empowerment of widows in Binga District, Zimbabwe. Focusing on two NGOs, Ntengwe and Zubo, this study examines how patriarchal power is legitimized through customary law and the impacts of such on widows after the death of their husbands. It further explores whether the PIR programmes/projects run by Zubo and Ntengwe are providing the necessary knowledge and empowering widows to fight property grabbing after the death of their husbands. The contributions of these PIR programmes/projects towards the enhancement of Binga widows’ livelihoods are also explored. In answering the study research questions a qualitative approach was used. Triangulation was employed as it allowed the study to answer and analyze the research questions from multiple perspectives. The study found that Ntengwe and Zubo PIR programmes/projects play a significant role towards the empowerment of widows in rural Binga. This has led to the enhancement of their livelihoods. The study also found that strategies used for contesting property grabbing by the widows in partnership with NGOs are effective and contributing to the empowerment of widows in the community. Among many other recommendations, the study proposes that NGOs should secure more funding so that they widen their operations in Binga wards. Such an increase in operations will enable more Binga widows to be empowered through the NGO run PIR programmes and projects.