At the Naramat Indigenous Women Arboretum, community-led solutions continue to drive meaningful, lasting change. Under our Humanitarian Crisis Response Program, we recently gathered over 200 Indigenous women from 10 villages across Kipsing, Isiolo County, for a distribution of solar lights designed to address security and enhance daily life.

Brightening the Path to Safety: Preventing GBV
In many rural Indigenous communities, access to electricity is severely limited. Without reliable lighting, the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) rises significantly after dark—both within households and in open community spaces.

By introducing solar lighting, this initiative directly targets these vulnerabilities:
• Enhanced Visibility: Brightens homesteads and pathways, reducing poorly lit spaces where harm can occur.
• Community Safety: Strengthens security for women, young girls, and families during nighttime hours.
• Protection from Wildlife: Helps deter wild animals and other nocturnal hazards around homes and gardens.

Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods
The benefits of solar lighting extend far beyond safety. The women receiving these lights are active participants in the Arboretum's agroecology, kitchen gardening, and nature-based programs.
Through these initiatives, participants have established home kitchen gardens and embraced sustainable practices like indigenous beekeeping and environmental conservation. With solar lights, women gain extra hours in the evening to safely manage their households, protect their gardens, and care for their families.
When we invest in practical, locally driven solutions, we empower women to protect their homes, preserve their environment, and build resilient futures for their entire communities.