Ambassador of Change - Grassroots Representative
Narasha Women's Collective
Salante Lebulkash, commonly known as Mama Vincent and widely recognized as an Ambassador of Change, is a remarkable 65-year-old woman from Narasha village in Isiolo County, Kenya. For nearly a decade, Salante has been a beacon of hope and resilience for indigenous women in her community.
Her journey began when she was identified for her leadership potential and offered an initial seeding grant by SWT, despite never having received any other form of funding before. With this support, she mobilized other indigenous women in her village and together they formed an umbrella body registered as a community-based organization - a milestone that marked a turning point for women's voices in her area.
Through her tireless advocacy, Salante has become known for championing women's rights, particularly in the context of land ownership and community development. Her work has seen her actively participate in leadership bootcamps, where she learned about her rights and gained the confidence to speak up on critical issues affecting her community.
Under the Community Land Act, Salante's dedication was recognized when she was elected as a member of the Community Land Management Committee at Narasha community land - a role that solidified her position as a trusted leader and decision-maker.
Salante's influence goes far beyond land rights. She has fearlessly challenged harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early forced marriage. She works relentlessly to rescue girls from these practices, ensuring they have the opportunity to continue their education and lead empowered lives.
"When I see a girl being prepared for FGM or early marriage, I see my own daughter. I see the future we're stealing from them. I cannot stay silent."
Understanding that true empowerment is holistic, Salante has also focused on women's economic independence. She has led initiatives to develop eco-tourism manyattas (traditional homes) that generate income for women, and has strengthened women's social networks through solidarity manyatta banks - community savings groups that uplift families economically and socially.
Through her leadership, she guides a battalion of over 300 indigenous women, nurturing wellbeing, preserving indigenous wisdom, and promoting solidarity among women. Her approach combines traditional knowledge with modern advocacy techniques, creating a powerful model for community transformation.
Salante's courage is matched by her ability to dismantle stigma. As a single mother, she overcame societal judgment to become a respected voice at tables of influence, mentoring other women to follow her path in entrepreneurship and leadership. In a deeply patriarchal society, she has earned the respect of her male counterparts, who now embrace her leadership and wisdom.
"They told me a single mother cannot lead. They told me women don't speak in community meetings. But I showed them that wisdom has no gender, and courage knows no marital status."
Salante's initiatives have created sustainable impact through:
Traditional homes converted into tourist attractions generating income for women
Community savings and loan groups supporting women's enterprises
Securing women's rights to own and inherit community land
Protecting indigenous knowledge while eliminating harmful practices
Through her indigenous knowledge and unwavering resolve, Salante Lebulkash continues to redefine what is possible for grassroots women leaders. She is, indeed, a tower of strength and a shining star for voices that were once forgotten, and her story reminds us that true change begins with those brave enough to stand up and lead their communities forward.
"The change we seek doesn't come from big offices or loud speeches. It comes from the quiet strength of women in villages, from the courage of mothers protecting their daughters, from the wisdom of grandmothers guiding their communities. This is where true transformation begins."