The village in Kenya that’s empowering women

In a society where patriarchal values go unquestioned and the position of women is unambiguously subordinate, a unique opportunity arose.

After being attacked for daring to speak out about gender inequality in her village, Rebecca Lolosoli, a Samburu Woman, decided enough was enough. Her beating was said to be a lesson to other women to understand their place in society. However, instead of passively accepting this tyrannical system, Lolosoli recruited an ensemble of similarly affected women and formed a female-only village, known as Umoja (“unity” in Swahili).

The village began as a sanctuary for 15 women, alongside Rebecca, but has since grown into a safe haven for women escaping genital mutilation, sexual assault and rape, domestic violence, or child marriage. Now numbering around 50 women and 200 children, the village boasts a thriving economy and education system, helping raise a new generation with modern and respectful values.

The women craft colourful beaded necklaces, bangles, anklets and other jewellery which they put up for sale, as well as running a campsite for safari tourists for a fee, which then contributes to the sale of local goods, thus sustaining the economy.

But the money isn’t simply lining their pockets, the women of Umoja feel a strong sense of community and kinship – chores and duties are shared reciprocally, and the village operates a group saving system, meaning the profits gleaned from said products are utilised for the benefit of the community. This means that should a member require medicinal support, food and water, or the maintenance of their property, they will always receive the patronage of their peers.

They also run the village democratically. All women have equal status to one another and will gather under the “tree of speech” to make governing decisions for the town.

While this may sound almost utopian, the village is not free from detractors, or more aptly, the jealous men envious and embittered by its success. Those in neighbouring villages have filed court cases and even attacked the area, even going so far as to form their own nearby villages alongside rival craft businesses intended to dissuade tourists from shopping at Umoja. Not only were they unsuccessful, the women eventually bought the land the men were occupying.

However, not all men are so officious, and members of the village may continue to maintain relationships with them, be it romantic or otherwise. Men are permitted to visit, but not allowed to stay, and only men who were raised as children in Umoja may sleep in the village.

Despite the many challenges these women have endured, they possess a strength and resilience enabling them to transform these obstacles into advantages, all while remaining exuberantly hospitable and radiant.

Travellers are encouraged to visit on a responsibly coordinated tour. If visiting the Umoja village is of particular interest to you, feel free to inquire with one of our tour operators!