With kind support from Oxfam, SWT held public Barazas in Samburu East Subcounty to bring indigenous women along with the youth, men and elders into the conversation on how to end violence that affect them greatly. “Jane Meriwas calls on us to create a better, fairer world, where our environment is protected instead of polluted,…
Samburu Women Trust is proud to have been be part of the CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation two-day meeting held in Johannesburg from 29-30 September 2022 for Indigenous Peoples (IPs), civic actors, human rights defenders, and civil society representatives.This global convening had participants at this meeting from Africa, Latin America, North America, Europe and…
At Umoja Women’s Village in Samburu county, visitors are greeted with the phrase “Welcome to Samburu, where women rule!” The matriarch of the community, Rebecca Lolosoli, extends a warm welcome to the visitors as the other women in the community applaud her. If only her bold assertion were accurate. There are currently 36 women living…
These are marginalized areas with numerous challenges for the local community. Infrastructure is underdeveloped, and social amenities are scarce and dispersed. Industries do not exist, and modern science plays little role in their daily lives. The Samburu people have learned survival strategies through the ages as a result of their harmonious coexistence with nature and…
Land and land-based resources are the most important sources of income and livelihoods for Kenya’s indigenous peoples, as well as the foundation of palpable cultural manifestations and spiritual activities. Because of the importance of pastoralism, hunting and gathering, fishing, and other rural livelihoods, land is the most important asset for many indigenous families and households.…
Livestock husbandry is the principal economic activity among pastoralists, and children are taught how to care for animals from a young age. The geographical zone they occupy necessitates endurance due to climate constraints that need continual movement of animals from one location to another in search of grass and water. This obligation falls squarely on…
Hellen Leisono has taken it upon herself to spread the gospel of education across the village though she has never been to school. During market days at Ol Donyiro Shopping Centre and at times in her home at Puruta village, you will find her engaging groups of women on hearty talks on why enrolling their…
Ms Salante Lebulkash goes about her daily chores with confidence at her homestead in Narasha village, Isiolo County. She is the proud owner of a goat herd, which has become a source of income for her three children. Livestock has traditionally belonged to men in the Samburu community, but Ms Lebulkash believes that this is…
Though her husband was gentle and kind, his brothers were cruel and enjoyed harassing the new bride Noonkishu Lepiranto for no apparent reason. “I became fed up with the harassment and decided to return to my parents’ house.” “I persuaded my husband to accompany me even though I didn’t have a child at the time,”…
It is therefore our mandate to assist in championing efforts to increase women’s participation and inclusion at all levels of decision-making. Social movements are purposeful, organized, with the goal of pushing for desirable change, giving women voice, or gathering for a common purpose to influence meaningful change. To address indigenous women’s marginalization and lack of…