Umoja Village: Kenya’s Trailblazing Women-Only Community
History African@africanhistory
1 day ago
Umoja Village is an all-female matriarchal community in Samburu County, northern Kenya, founded in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli as a refuge for women escaping violence, forced marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM) . Located near Archer’s Post, approximately 380 kilometers north of Nairobi on the banks of the Ewaso Ng’iro River, Umoja sits as a beacon of gender equality in a traditionally patriarchal society .
The village community comprises over 50 women and more than 200 children who co-manage communal farming, animal husbandry, and an artisan cooperative producing distinctive beadwork and jewelry for tourism-driven income . Umoja’s cultural center and campsite offer visitors immersive experiences in Samburu traditions, including storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and homestead tours led by village elders . Proceeds from tourism and craft sales fund a primary school, healthcare initiatives, and legal support programs that protect women’s land rights and promote community welfare . Over the years, Umoja’s model has inspired similar women’s villages locally and internationally, underscoring its lasting impact on women’s empowerment and grassroots conservation of cultural heritage .
Visitor Information & Tips
Umoja is reachable by road via a 4×4 tour or local buses to Archer’s Post, followed by a short drive to the village, approximately a ten-minute detour off the tarmac highway .
Tours run daily from 9:00 to 17:00, with guided visits scheduled in the morning to participate in beadwork workshops and cultural performances; booking in advance through local safari operators is recommended .
Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and modest clothing respectful of Samburu customs, and are encouraged to bring small gifts such as soap or school supplies to support community projects .
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Photo Credit: CNN
