MAASAI WIDOWS AND DAUGHTER'S EXPERIENCES IN PROPERTY INHERITANCE RIGHTS DISPUTES AT THE GRASSROOTS LEVEL IN TANZANIA

Abstract

Property inheritance rights dispute is the socio-cultural gendered problem that has been persistent over the years in Tanzania. Based on the existing literature, Maasai widows and daughters in regard to the problem are less explored; therefore, this study explores Maasai tribe unveiling how they divide property inherence rights based on the customary rules. This study seeks to investigate the Maasai widows and daughters’ experiences in property inheritance rights dispute at the grassroots level. This study employs a qualitative ethnography research methodology to investigate the problem. The findings have shown that Maasai widows have both positive and negative experiences in regard to property inheritance rights dispute and completely negative for both married and unmarried daughters. Therefore, this study contributes to the widows’ literature as it has revealed that customary rules are not always negative. They also have a positive aspect. As for the daughters married and unmarried, their experiences are completely negative though there are also exceptions concerning their inheritance rights. The finding is slightly different from previous studies which state that daughters have inheritance in the third degree. Lastly, for policy implication this study suggests that there is a need of Maasai widows and daughters’ association at the grassroots level as they do not have a joint union. This will enable them to share their own experiences and raise awareness among themselves. The researcher believes that the association will be a foundation for Maasai widows and daughters’ empowerment as well as a platform to raise their voice.