Gender equality and the empowerment of women are widely recognized as key dimensions of human progress.
Many women are still discriminated upon and denied their rights to land. The aim of this study was to identify
causes for gender inequality in land ownership and also to examine the women’s accessibility to land resource
towards poverty reduction in Tanzania. A sample of 50 respondents was drawn to gather field information
relevant to this study through interviews, questionnaires and observations. However, literature materials were
used in order to accomplish this research. This research revealed that, gender inequality in land ownership is
mainly caused by traditions and customs which promote and perpetuate patriarchal system. Also it was found
that, women who owned land were able to run agricultural activities, build houses and rent to other people
thereby provide with them a means to sustain their livelihood. It is recommended that, the Government should
continue with its efforts of educating and encouraging women to attend different trainings whereby they can be
able to understand different rights like land ownership right. Through attending trainings, women will also have
the ability to understand their rights. It should also undertake various reforms to laws, particularly customary law
in order to eliminate gender inequality in land rights. Men should be educated and well sensitized on gender
equality in land ownership. The reason is that equality in land ownership will enable women to be independent
and change the current situation whereby women depend on men. Hence this will be the solution to poverty
reduction.