How would a world be if women could walk down the streets, with no fear in their hearts, during any time of the day? How would a world look like, feel like, if women could hold their heads with pride without the anxiousness about any kind of harm from men? Yes, such a world exists! In Kenya, there’s a village called Umoja which means ‘unity’ in Swahili. This village was founded by Rebecca Lolosoli 30 years ago, as a safe haven for women who suffered abuses like forced marriages and genital mutilation at the hands of men. This all-women village in Kenya, bans all men. It truly is a ‘no man’s land’ built to provide matriarchal refuge and is a safe haven for women of the region.
Umoja- A Safe Haven For Women
Umoja is situated in the grasslands of Samburu, in northern Kenya. The residents of Samburu maintained a strict patriarchy for over 500 years. This was until 30 years ago when Rebecca Lolosoli founded Umoja village. This was initially built by her as a safe abode for 15 women who survived rape, sexual assault by British soldiers in 1990. But today this village has grown to provide shelter to any woman trying to escape sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, child marriage or genital mutilation. Umoja stands true to its word, unity.
Samburu people are semi-nomadic, largely polygamist people, who are closely related to the Maasai tribe. They are also rooted deeply in patriarchy. Umoja village created as a sisterhood for women suffering in the hands of men, today has grown from a 15-women village to a larger abode, welcoming any woman or child who is a victim of patriarchy. Umoja has around 50 women and 200 children today. They have created an economy for themselves. Women and children earn their own livelihoods to take care of their basic needs. But when the boys of this village reach the age of 18, they have to leave this village.
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Independent Women Earning Their Own Livelihoods
The strong, independent women of Umoja run a campsite for safari tourists. They charge an entry fee for tourists to visit this village. Women here make colourful bangles, anklets, beaded necklaces and other jewellery in the craft centre, which are put up for sale. The older women of Umoja educate young girls about social norms like forced abortions, female genital mutilation etc. The women’s land of Umoja also has a school which is open to nearby villages as well. Even they live in a village where no men are allowed, the men here don’t lead an isolated life. Did you know Around 80% Women Are Now Choosing To Travel Solo: Study Suggests?
They venture out to neighbouring villages, markets and they have managed to build themselves a safe abode where they can lead an empowered life, filled with respect. Umoja village over the years has encouraged and inspired other women in nearby districts to start their own matriarchal form of society with the absolute exclusion of men. This is the girl power that the world truly needs.