Noontoto Women Group : Background Information

The maasai women in Enkokidongoi

The maasai women are traditionally in a very subordinate position to the maasai men. At the same time, these women are very strong. You find an enormous strength when you talk to these women and, in organized forms, they could accomplish great deeds. Traditionally, the maasai women don’t own anything. However, shared ownership is seen upon differently than individual ownership and women could own, for example cattle, collectively in a way that an individual woman couldn’t do.

Since the woman is the one who takes care of the household and the children, projects directed towards women could accomplish a lot. Through educating the women you also reach out to the children.

The imbalance of power between men and women in the village Enkokidongoi, where Twiga’s development cooperation partners live, is slowly starting to change. Today, women have a greater influence on their own lives and the lives of their children. There are many registered women groups in Enkokidongoi. The women also participate more in other organizations, such as for example the school committee of the local school. In spite of this, there is still a long way to go and Twiga aims to continue working for equality together with the inhabitants of Enkokidongoi.