Grace’s Journey to Land Empowerment
A case of barjobi subcounty, Otuke District
In the heart of the Lango region, where tradition and cultural norms once dictated the lives of women, a quiet revolution is taking place. Adong Grace and her friend Emily, members of a seven-woman group, are at the forefront of this change. Their story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of awareness.
For generations, women in their community were excluded from matters of land ownership and management. Cultural norms dictated that land decisions were the sole domain of men. Married women, in particular, were sidelined, their voices unheard in family discussions about land productivity and usage.
“We were not allowed to access or manage land, let alone participate in decision-making processes,” Adong Grace recalls.
This exclusion not only stifled women’s potential but also hindered the community’s overall progress.
Enter a groundbreaking intervention that aimed to shatter these age-old barriers. Through awareness-raising initiatives and advocacy dialogues, the program illuminated a path toward gender equality in land access and ownership. For women like Adong Grace and Emily, this was a lifeline.
“The intervention has opened my mind. I now know I have the right to access and manage land,” Adong Grace shares with newfound confidence.
What once seemed impossible is now a reality. These women, who were once confined by cultural norms, have gained the strength to advocate for themselves. They now actively participate in land justice dialogues, influencing systemic changes and challenging deeply ingrained biases.
“We’ve learned to balance cultural values with the need for progress,” Emily adds. “Now, we can access and manage land, making decisions that benefit our families and the community.”
The ripple effects of this empowerment go beyond Adong and Emily. Their group of seven women has become a powerful voice for change, inspiring others in their community to embrace equality. Together, they are dismantling barriers, one dialogue at a time.
Adong Grace’s story is not just about her journey; it’s a testament to the transformative power of awareness and empowerment. By amplifying women’s voices in land matters, the community is not only fostering gender equality but also unlocking its full potential for growth and harmony.
This is more than a story of change—it’s a movement that paves the way for future generations of women to thrive, unburdened by the chains of history.