Gender Gap in Asset Ownership: Tanzania State of Play.

Abstract

Purpose: This study, examined the gender gap that still exists in asset ownership and its associated factors.
 Methodology/Approach: This study employs an integrative review to provide a comprehensive understanding of the phenomenon under study. The purpose of this review is to establish whether findings are consistent and generalizable across different settings in Tanzania or whether they vary significantly by particular subgroups. All studies that were fit to be included were summarised and patterns of information collected were tabulated, itemised and discussed in a systematic review. Seven (07) current papers (2017-2021) related to the study were reviewed to establish factors attributed to the gender gap in asset ownership.
 Findings: The findings show that there still exists a gender gap in asset ownership in Tanzania. Using Land as a measure of asset ownership the following factors are the source of the gender-based ownership gap; lack of knowledge and awareness Lack of income and Traditions and customary norms are the most critical factors limiting women from owning assets in Tanzania. Other factors include ineffective implementation of the existing land laws and regulations and symbolic violence.
 Research Limitations: Further studies can be done by broadening the scope. This can be through clustering studies done in urban and rural areas to determine any locality factors attributing to the gender asset ownership gap.
 Practical Implications: The findings from this study are useful to various groups. The government can use the findings to reduce the gender gap in asset ownership by addressing key factors identified. This will help them stay more focused on the most critical factors. Further, NGOs and the society at large can utilize the findings in creating awareness campaigns regarding women's asset ownership.
 Value: the findings of this study provide a better understanding of the key factors that limit women from owning assets as it integrates findings of different studies at different times.