Barbara Saunyama, a farmer, mother of three girls and widow since 1996, understands firsthand the myriad ways in which patriarchy works to dispose women of their land. Immediately after her husband died, her brother-in-law ordered her to leave her home and go back to her parents because she had only given birth to girls and therefore had no claim over her land. Downcast but unshaken, Barbara managed to receive training from organizations that gave her more confidence to challenge her brother-in-law, eventually winning the battle over her land. Now a member of the Rural Women’s Assembly in Zimbabwe, Barbara continues to fight for the full realization of the rights of women over their natural resources and bodily autonomy. Photo credit: ActionAid
