I wanted to share the Chilala case with and ask you for ideas on a continental land rights campaign for women. The facts are as follows:

"Mrs Chilala was widowed. She and her husband had occupied customary land on which they built brick houses. After her husband died, she refused to be inherited by her brother in law and since one of her sons was willing to stay on at the homestead she decided she would stay and not return to her natal home. Her in laws then decided to bury deceased relatives on her premises. To date there are 16 graves at this old woman's homestead. The matter went before the Lands Tribunal (which is ranked at the same level with the High Court but is a specialized Court) and the tribunal ruled that this is not a matter within their mandate and ordered that she pays legal costs to the tune of K50,000,000 (equivalent of US$12,000) she is over 70 years old”.

I know that there is land reform taking place in most of Southern Africa (not sure about the rest of Africa) but can we use this case for advocacy and also do something for this woman. Note we are working with the Justice for Widows and Orphans to seek redress. ([email protected])