Lilian Chaminuka

Cultural Influences Faced by Widows in Resolving Inheritance Issues: Property Grabbing by Deceased Spouses' Relatives Lilian Chaminuka

Due to many problems experienced by widows,this study sought to investigate the influences of culture in resolving inheritance issues by widows in Harare. Six research questions were the basis of the research study. Thirty widows and ten community leaders were the respondents. A descriptive survey design was employed. Questionnaires and interviews were the two research instruments used. Qualitative data analysis and descriptive statistics were used in analyzing and presenting data. The results revealed that widows were facing many problems in their bid to inherit property left by their spouses. Family traditions were still having a bearing on the distribution of the inheritance and that cultural beliefs still have a bearing on inheritance issues though some of the traditions are on the decline. It was also revealed that some widows were not aware of organisations that offer counselling or legal action in their communities. Indications are that there is need for counselling services to be provided to the widows during the time of inheritance. It was recommended that systemic counselling be employed in assisting bereaved widows during the inheritance process.