Thirty-five widows from Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions have embarked on a symbolic climb of Mount Kilimanjaro to champion the importance of will writing, as authorities and activists intensify efforts to address inheritance disputes that continue to affect families across Tanzania.
The campaign, dubbed the Kilimanjaro Widows Summit, was launched in Moshi on Saturday and forms part of activities marking the International Widows’ Day, observed annually on June 23.
Speaking at the launch, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu urged Tanzanians to embrace the culture of preparing wills, describing the practice as a crucial tool for protecting families and preventing conflicts that often arise after the death of a spouse.
He noted that many widows continue to face legal, social and economic hardships due to unresolved inheritance matters, with disputes over property frequently leaving families divided.
“Writing a will is not a taboo or a sign of inviting death. It is a responsible step that helps families avoid unnecessary conflicts and ensures that property is distributed according to the wishes of the deceased,” said Mr Babu.
He added that strengthening public awareness on succession planning would help safeguard the rights of widows and children while promoting harmony within communities.
The mountain-climbing initiative has been organised by the Tanzania Widows Association (TAWIA) in collaboration with government institutions and civil society organisations.
Organisers say the campaign is intended to draw national attention to the challenges widows face and the role of wills in reducing inheritance-related disputes.
TAWIA Executive Director Rose Sarwatt said the organisation chose Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, as a powerful platform to amplify the message and inspire action.
“The climb is more than a physical challenge. It is a campaign to encourage Tanzanians to write wills and protect their families from future conflicts,” she said.
Ms Sarwatt said that after completing the climb, the widows will continue their advocacy tour through Tarangire, Ngorongoro and Serengeti national parks, carrying the same message to wider audiences.
The awareness drive will culminate in a major conference in Kilimanjaro Region that is expected to bring together more than 500 widows from different regions of the country to discuss inheritance rights, economic empowerment and access to justice.
At the event, former Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) president Harold Sungusia presented the Regional Commissioner with a guidebook on will writing, which he authored following extensive research into inheritance disputes in Tanzania.
Mr Sungusia said many family conflicts emerge because individuals fail to leave clear instructions regarding the distribution of their property.
“The guidebook provides practical guidance on how to prepare a legally recognised will. If more people understand and follow these procedures, many inheritance disputes can be avoided,” he said.
He described a will as a legal document that outlines how a person's assets should be distributed after death, adding that proper succession planning protects beneficiaries and promotes stability within families.
The campaign has received support from the Tanzania National Parks Authority (Tanapa), tourism operators Kenzel Wildlife Safaris and Berick Tanzania Tours, as well as a broad coalition of civil society organisations advocating for widows’ rights and social justice.
Organisers hope the initiative will encourage more Tanzanians to view will writing as an essential aspect of family planning and a practical means of securing the future of loved ones.
