About Us

 

It is located in Kiltamany, Samburu east sub county, the center was started by Indigenous Women from 9 women group with an initiative to carry out development activities which would help them to eradicate poverty in the region and also find solutions to prolonged drought in the area. Climate change has been an issue in the area and the women are the most affected. As nomads, their livestock’s get affected so much by the drought and therefore the women in the region thought coming together and work as a group would help them achieve their main objectives.

The women groups in the center are:

1.Kiltamany Women Group

2.Naapu Women Group

3.Narapulchurai Women Group

4.Naisula Women Group

5.Naisherua Maiyan Women Group

6.Mpakas Women Group

7.Nywat Women Group

8.Naserian Women Group

9.Naitopok Women Group

 

 

The activities carried out by Indigenous women in their groups focus on promoting financial independence, environmental conservation, and the preservation of their cultural heritage. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each activity and its relevance to their objectives:

1. Merry-Go-Round (Rotating Savings and Credit Associations)

This is a traditional saving scheme where members contribute a set amount of money regularly. Each member then takes turns receiving the total amount, helping them manage personal or family expenses. This activity enhances financial empowerment, allowing women to access funds for small businesses or emergencies without relying on external loans.

Objective Contribution:

  • Economic empowerment: By managing their own funds, women gain economic independence.
  • Capacity building: This activity teaches financial literacy and management skills.
2. Buying and Selling Livestock

Many Indigenous women engage in buying and selling livestock, particularly in pastoralist communities. Livestock is a key asset, providing food security and income. Women trade goats, cattle, and chickens, and the profits are reinvested into family welfare or community development.

Objective Contribution:

  • Economic empowerment: Livestock trading diversifies income sources, reducing dependency on limited resources.
  • Capacity building: It fosters entrepreneurship and resource management skills.
3. Bee-Keeping

Beekeeping is an environmentally sustainable business that provides honey and beeswax, which women can sell in local markets. It not only serves as a source of income but also contributes to biodiversity conservation, as bees are essential for pollination.

Objective Contribution:

  • Climate change adaptation: Promoting biodiversity helps in mitigating the effects of climate change by supporting natural ecosystems.
  • Economic empowerment: Provides a sustainable income source with minimal environmental impact.
  • Capacity building: Women gain knowledge in bee-keeping techniques and environmental stewardship.
4. Tree Planting

Women are involved in tree planting efforts to restore forests and conserve their local environment. This helps to combat deforestation, prevent soil erosion, and improve local weather conditions, which directly affects their livelihoods, especially in agriculture and water management.

Objective Contribution:

  • Climate change mitigation: Tree planting is one of the most effective ways to absorb carbon dioxide and reduce the impact of climate change.
  • Defending rights: By restoring their environment, Indigenous women ensure access to vital natural resources.
  • Capacity building: Engaging in reforestation teaches environmental management skills and fosters leadership in climate action.
5. Beads Making

This activity preserves Indigenous cultural heritage and generates income. Beadwork is often sold locally and internationally, serving as a major source of livelihood for many Indigenous women. It also creates a platform for promoting and sharing their cultural identity.

Objective Contribution:

  • Economic empowerment: Beads making provides a sustainable source of income, especially in tourism and export markets.
  • Capacity building: The skills required in beadwork involve precision and creativity, which help women develop artisanal expertise.
  • Cultural preservation: Beadwork serves as a cultural symbol, allowing women to defend and promote their traditions.
Overall Objectives

Through these activities, Indigenous women build a stronger foundation for:

  1. Defending their rights: By engaging in sustainable practices and economically empowering themselves, Indigenous women are in a better position to advocate for their rights, especially in areas of land ownership, resource management, and cultural preservation.

  2. Capacity building: The practical skills gained in these activities—financial literacy, environmental conservation, and artisanal work—equip Indigenous women with the knowledge and tools to enhance their leadership within their communities.

  3. Economic empowerment: The diverse activities provide multiple streams of income, reducing reliance on unstable markets and external aid, allowing women to take control of their financial future.

  4. Climate change adaptation and mitigation: By engaging in environmentally friendly practices like tree planting, bee-keeping, and sustainable agriculture, these groups actively contribute to solutions for climate change, ensuring a more secure and sustainable environment for future generations.

This holistic approach strengthens Indigenous women’s roles in their communities, promoting sustainability, economic independence, and cultural resilience.