We are excited to share the success story of the ‘Wanawake Tunaweza’ project, a transformative two-year initiative aimed at economically and socially empowering women and girls from the Maasai community in Longido District. Implemented by the LSF in partnership with NORTH-SOUTH COOPERATION from Luxembourg, the project has achieved significant milestones in improving the lives of over 2,500 community members, directly benefiting 209 women entrepreneurs and 1,214 girls in various schools.
The ‘Wanawake Tunaweza’ project, which began in 2022, sought to address social and economic barriers that hinder women’s progress in the Maasai community. The project collaborated with 11 women’s groups, providing them with essential entrepreneurial skills and support to establish sustainable businesses, such as livestock farming, cereal trading, Maasai beadwork, and horticultural farming. As a result, a unified group called ‘Osiligi’ was formed, equipped with 11 sewing machines, and trained to produce reusable sanitary pads. This initiative has provided a steady source of income for the women while supporting menstrual hygiene management in local schools like Lekule and Namanga, making a direct impact on the learning environment of hundreds of girls.
In addition, the project addressed educational infrastructure by constructing new dormitories, providing a safe and comfortable space for girls to focus on their studies. The introduction of modern ICT equipment in Namanga Secondary School has enhanced the digital learning experience, benefiting 40 students at a time. Complementary environmental initiatives such as the planting of 1,420 trees have also contributed to promoting environmental sustainability, even in the face of local challenges such as drought.
The project has made a lasting impact in the Longido community by raising awareness about women’s rights and the importance of gender equality. It has built the capacity of 20 traditional leaders and engaged 7 male champions, who have been at the forefront of advocating for positive change in their communities. Through educational campaigns and capacity-building sessions, the project has fostered a culture of inclusion, dialogue, and mutual respect for women’s and girls’ rights.
During the handover ceremony, the LSF team called on the district government and other stakeholders to continue supporting the women and girls of Longido in sustaining the gains made by the project. To ensure the continued success of the reusable sanitary pads production initiative, LSF appealed to partners involved in distributing sanitary products to prioritize purchasing locally produced pads made by these women.
The project’s success serves as a powerful reminder that with the right support, marginalized communities can thrive and contribute to the overall development of society.
