Customary Law of Succession and Women Economic Empowerment in Tanzania

The Book is divided into five Chapters. Chapter one provides background to the problem, outlining the factors leading to the problem. A critical analysis of customary inheritance laws as they were practiced in the past and under current economic environment is provided. Chapter two discusses the impact of the customary law of intestate succession on women. Emphasis is placed on the legal position of widows vis-a-vis their fellow widowers. Chapter three is an examination of the Tanzanian Government’s compliance with its international obligations on women’s rights. A critical analysis of the Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) and other relevant international human rights instruments is highlighted. Chapter four is a comparative analysis from other jurisdictions; it underscores the role played by the Tanzanian’s courts and other stakeholders in intervening to protect and promote women’s inheritance rights. Further, this Chapter discusses various strategies used by some of the stakeholders to address the problem. The final Chapter provides some remedial suggestions and recommendations.