15/10/2026
ARD and Nkuzi Representatives at the 10th Anniversary of the Kilimanjaro Initiative
In October 2016, approximately 500 rural women from 22 African countries gathered in Arusha, Tanzania, to proclaim the Charter of Demands: Actualizing Women’s Land Rights in Africa.
The Charter sets out 15 demands calling for women’s equal rights to access, use, own, control and inherit land and natural resources, including 50% participation in land-related decision-making.
Ten years later, the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the progress made, recognise the power of women’s collective action, and renew the call for the full implementation of women’s land rights.
Key Messages from the 10th Anniversary of the Kilimanjaro Initiative:
1. Kilimanjaro is not our destination, but the beginning.
2. Women’s collective action changed the agenda.
3. The Charter strengthened women’s voices.
4. Local gains show what is possible.
5. Implementation remains uneven.
6. The next decade requires lasting institutions and stronger action to advance women’s land rights.
Happy International Day of Rural Women!
We climbed. We claimed. We continue advocating for rural women’s land rights.
Alliance for Rural Democracy - ARD International Land CoalitionMobilize ZARural Women's Assembly- South Africa
