This archive report was first published on 5 August 2019.
Maasai Women Empowerment Through Tourism ¶
Laikipia North, Kenya - In a remarkable story of empowerment, a group of Maasai women have established an eco-village for tourism, purely owned and run by women. The venture, which started 12 years ago, has provided a steady source of income for the women and empowered girls through education.
Ms. Gladys Meshami, one of the 206 members of the Twala Tenebo Cultural Women group, is among those who have benefited from the project. She had little control over her family's wealth before joining the group, but now she is able to support her family and educate her seven children using dividends earned from the venture.
The eco-village, located about 49 kilometers from Nanyuki, Laikipia County's headquarters, comprises of rustic designed Manyattas for accommodation of tourists visiting the centre from home and away. The tourist destination, which includes a 500-capacity conference hall, is equipped with tools used for any traditional activity among the Maasai to teach the visitors.
Ms. Meshami is proud to be among the women who participated in the construction of the units. 'We built the units ourselves because we were focused to change the lives of Maasai women in Laikipia north and also the young girls who are at danger of the harsh cultural practices such as female circumcision,' she said.
The women ensure that any guest visiting the cultural centre is familiarised to the nomad Maasai culture from their accommodation to the activities carried out within and outside the centre. Baboon walks, cattle walks, and traditional way of making reusing sticks and beaded accessories are among the activities introduced to their guests.
According to Rosemary Nenini, the facility's manager, the women have majorly depended on travelling organisations and other organisations located in Laikipia who refer tourists from abroad to the centre. In a good month, they make about a Million and dividends shared among the women.
The journey of empowering women through the project started with 60 members through the help of African Conservation Centre. Nenini noting that more women have joined them and many girls benefiting through education bursaries. 'We have 186 girls in our education program and it is a major milestone to this community,' she said.
Being a victim of outdated cultural practices, Nenini has become an activist in discouraging female circumcision, early and forced marriages, and denied girl child education. 'We are determined to fight the bad cultural practices and several girls have been rescued from forced marriages,' she added.
Initially, the 40-acres piece of land was donated by elders to the women after persistently seeking permission to start up the venture. 'Traditionally Maasai women were not allowed to own land or livestock and getting this land was a big step for this business,' added Nenini.
Simon Mbuki of World Vision said the centre will be a beneficiary of the organisation's program dubbed IMARA, which is intended to promote resilience through natural resource management. 'We are targeting value chains that will bring more income to households. This area is fully livestock economy but we are looking for beadwork and eco-tourism as they have higher margins than other activities,' said Mbuki.
