WOMEN’S ENTERPRISE

Increasing women’s economic opportunities is imperative to building sustainable conservation practices and more equitable societies. Our programs empower women to develop conservation-related enterprises so that they can more actively contribute to their community’s livelihood. Businesses such as Bees for Conservation, aloe and opuntia production, Beads for Conservation, and ecotourism are helping women to support themselves as well as community development projects. Through these programs, women entrepreneurs gain new skills and connections, launch and build innovative businesses, and develop as respected leaders in their communities.

Further the healthy coexistence of people and wildlife, and conserve life-giving ecosystems.

Twala Cultural Manyatta provides guided ecotours, Maasai cultural experiences, and affordable accommodations. The Manyatta was initiated by local Maasai women to provide a unique and authentic experience for visitors while fostering respect and understanding of the local environment and culture. It is located in the stunning wildlife-filled Laikipia plateau, near Mt. Kenya.

The Manyatta activities bring together research, experience, lives and knowledge of Maasai communities living within a dynamic and challenging landscape. All proceeds go directly to the community and are utilized for the benefit of sustainable development and poverty reduction. All guides have been recruited and trained locally.

Lale’enok Resource Centre is named after the traditional Maasai scouts who gather information vital to the welfare of their families and herds. It translates to “place where information is brought and shared”. The Olkiramatian Reto Women’s Group, established in November of 2007, owns and runs the centre, raising funds from camping fees and the use of the centre by researchers, visitors and students. Through a strong committee made of up a chairlady and eleven members, and democratic processes, the group of 200 members uses the funds to support livelihood and development projects.

BEADS FOR CONSERVATION

Partnering with SORALO, The Reto Olkiramatian Women’s Group, makes beaded bracelets which are bought and sold by Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. All profits are returned to support Rebuilding the Pride and other SORALO conservation projects.

GIRL-CHILD BURSARIES

The Reto Olkiramatian Women’s Group helps promote the education of girls, and in 2010 established the girl-child bursary program to support the education of orphaned girls. The girl’s education is sponsored from fee’s collected from Lale’enok Resource Centre, up to class eight.

BEES FOR DEVELOPMENT

Working with a bee keeping expert, Jessie de Boer, The Reto Olkiramatian Women’s Group has developed apiaries and a business model for the sale of bee products. Beehives are now installed in all sub-locations of Olkiramatian group ranch: Entasopia, Olchorolepo, Olkiramatian, Oloiborototo and Oldorko.

SOLAR LIGHTS ENTERPRISE

The Reto Olkiramatian Women’s Group is the official agent for a solar light company called SunnyMoney. This enables them to buy solar lights at cost price and sell them locally for a profit.