Umoja is a unique village located in Samburu County, north-central Kenya. Known for its matriarchal society, it is a sanctuary created in 1990 by Rebecca Lolosoli and other women who had been survivors of violence against women, female genital mutilation, and forced marriages. The village offers a safe space for women who have faced abuse, providing them not only with refuge but also with the opportunity for economic empowerment, education, and a sense of community. The village has grown to become a symbol of women’s rights and strength, attracting attention from international organizations and tourists alike.
Historical Background
The idea of Umoja emerged in response to the patriarchal practices that have historically oppressed women in the Samburu region. In this area, women were often denied basic rights such as land ownership and were subject to harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriages. Rebecca Lolosoli, the founder of Umoja, was a key figure in initiating the village after suffering physical abuse for speaking out against FGM. The village was built as a means to give these women an alternative lifestyle away from the harsh traditional practices that dominated their lives.
In 1990, Rebecca Lolosoli and 15 other women formed the core group that would create Umoja, and the village gradually grew as more women joined, seeking shelter and safety. Over the years, it has become a model of self-sufficiency and women’s empowerment.
Geography and Demographics
Umoja is located near Archers Post, approximately 380 km from Nairobi in Samburu County, in the northern region of Kenya. The village itself is situated in a semi-arid area with an altitude of around 1,149 meters. It is comprised of traditional manyatta huts, made from a mix of earth and cow dung, which are surrounded by thorn fences and barbed wire for security.
As of 2015, the village had 47 women and 200 children living there. The population includes women who have escaped forced marriages, FGM, or other forms of abuse, as well as orphans, runaways, and children born within the village. Men are allowed to visit but are not permitted to live in the village, and boys must leave when they reach the age of 18.
Matriarchal Society and Governance
Umoja’s governance is completely matriarchal, and all decisions are made by the women of the village. The women gather under the “tree of speech”, a symbolic location where they make important decisions for the community. The women have equal rights, and leadership positions are held by women. Rebecca Lolosoli has served as the chairperson of the village and continues to be a significant leader in promoting the empowerment of women.
One of the most profound aspects of Umoja is the fact that the women of the village govern their own affairs without interference from men. This is a sharp contrast to the traditional society around them, where women have historically been subjugated.
Economy and Self-sufficiency
Umoja’s economy is based on traditional Samburu crafts that the women create and sell at the Umoja Waso Women’s Cultural Center. These crafts include colorful beads, handwoven baskets, and other handicrafts. The sale of these items is one of the main sources of income for the village. The women also operate a tourist campsite for visitors who come to see the nearby Samburu National Reserve. The campsite and the crafts generate income that is reinvested into the village for educational purposes, community projects, and other needs.
In addition to the crafts, the women of Umoja run a community nursery school and primary school, which serve the children of the village and neighboring areas. The village promotes education for all children, regardless of gender, a stark contrast to traditional Samburu culture where children, especially girls, were expected to tend to livestock rather than attend school.
Challenges and Achievements
Over the years, Umoja has faced its share of challenges. These challenges include opposition from surrounding men, who have attempted to create rival villages, discourage tourists, and even tried to disband the women’s village. However, Umoja’s women have persevered. They successfully bought land from the men who tried to resist them and continued to grow their business, benefiting from the support of organizations such as Kenya Wildlife Services and Kenya Heritage and Social Services.
The village was also targeted in 2009 when Rebecca Lolosoli’s former husband attacked the village and threatened her life, but despite such threats, the village continues to thrive. Umoja has been a pioneer in women’s rights in Kenya, particularly in addressing female genital mutilation and child marriages, and the women continue to advocate for these causes in surrounding communities.
In 2021, the village applied for a community title to gain official recognition over a tract of grazing land, which is currently being considered by the Kenyan government. This title would further solidify the village’s status and help protect it for future generations.
Umoja’s Role in Women’s Empowerment
Umoja serves as a symbol of hope for many women in Kenya and beyond. It is a powerful testament to what women can achieve when they stand together in solidarity and create a safe space for themselves and their children. Umoja has proven that, despite the oppressive forces around them, women can reclaim their dignity, gain independence, and thrive.
The village has become a tourist attraction not only for its unique social structure but also for its commitment to women’s rights, empowerment, and education. The women of Umoja continue to be a source of inspiration for many, showing that unity and resilience can overcome even the most difficult circumstances.
