A patriarchal society and traditional cultural beliefs have created a system that limits opportunities for Maasai women in Kenya. They lack access to land ownership and face discrimination in education and employment. Plus, their roles as primary caregivers make it challenging to participate in work outside of their household chores and responsibilities at home. Lack of access to financial resources and credit also hinders their ability to start businesses. Plus, the prevalence of gender-based violence makes it difficult for Maasai women to move freely and engage in livelihood activities.

All these factors contribute to a cycle of poverty and economic exclusion for Maasai women and have a domino effect on the next generation.

Our Foundation partner, Patinaai Osim, a Community Care Organisation, is committed to changing the narrative of girls and women in indigenous communities. They address the inequality women and girls face, and protect their fundamental human rights. Plus, they provide access to information and safe spaces to express themselves and become change-makers in their community.

Patinaai Osim’s mission is to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls in the Maasai community. They advocate for:

• Gender equality and equity of girls, women, and youth;

• Creation of sustainable livelihoods through capacity building;

• Sexual and reproductive health awareness;

• Sensitization on environmental sustainability.

The Intrepid Foundation is proud to support Patinaai Osim to empower women in rural areas to participate in income-generating activities like tailoring, goat rearing, and beadwork, and giving them access to resources such as education and healthcare. Patinaai Osim is empowering women and girls to have full ownership of their lives. 

This helps promote gender equality and support women's empowerment, ultimately leading to more robust, more resilient rural communities.