Land, Leadership, and Livelihoods for Masaai Women
Olderkesi Women Community Based Organisation (OW), with a membership of 3000 individuals in over 80 women groups, is a women-led movement that was formed and registered in 2019 as a community-based organization. They work through community social structures to provoke and generate internal discussions and shape simple local actions towards change.
As a grassroots group, they operate differently to traditional NGOs, with an emphasis on working within community and women structures (e.g. enkitagata - a women-led baraza [1]). OW represents women, youth and disabled people who have remained forgotten and marginalised, particularly in rural settings
[1] A baraza is a large community organising gathering on social and political issues.
Profile
Grants:
2025: $50,000
CJRF Region:
East Africa
Why Olderkesi Women?
Olderkesi Women is strengthening land rights and economic self-determination among women, youth, and disabled people in rural Maasai communities. By promoting legal literacy on land ownership, organizing women-led campaigns, and training new leaders, they are creating space for marginalized groups to shape local decision-making. Their approach also fosters climate resilience through nature-based livelihoods, enterprise development, and connections to public resources—ensuring that those most affected by climate and economic pressures can lead community-driven solutions from within.
Photo courtesy of Olderkesi Women