In the heart of Kilgoris, a powerful story of transformation unfolded over the past two days. Women from West Pokot and Kilgoris came together for an inspiring exchange visit, an initiative supported by the Indigenous Information Network (IIN), led by Lucy Mulenkei. The visit was more than just a meeting, it was a celebration of reshared wisdom and environmental stewardship.
Women from West Pokot shared how far they have come. “We were once hidden, unrecognized by our communities and government,” one woman recalled. “Today, thanks to our work, we are acknowledged, even by the county government. We are no longer invisible.” These women have harnessed their collective strength to uplift each other, proving that when women stand together, incredible change is possible.
Through their group initiatives, these Indigenous women have bought land, built their own homes and become leaders in their communities. Their success has even sparked the interest of local men, who are now eager to learn from the women’s innovative practices.
Before joining the women’s groups coordinated by the Indigenous Information Network (IIN), many of these women spent long hours in forests burning charcoal, risking their lives among dangerous wildlife like leopards and elephants. Today, empowered and informed, they have abandoned these harmful practices and embraced sustainable alternatives. They are no longer just protecting the environment, they are restoring it.
In Kilgoris, women’s groups have constructed beautifully designed manyattas with support from various donors and their own women’s fund. But their impact goes far beyond housing. These groups have created opportunities for skill-building and self-reliance, shifting the narrative from survival to sustainability. “We are no longer beggars,” one woman proudly stated.
The exchange visit allowed the women to share ideas and experiences, offering practical solutions they can implement in their own communities. They learned from one another, bonded over shared challenges and discovered new ways to collaborate for change.
Some women shared how being part of these groups has opened doors to travel across counties and even across continents. One shining example is Lucy Lemiso, Chairlady of the Olerai Group in Kilgoris, who represented her peers at COP 28 in Egypt. Another is Joline Leparaku from Namnyak Lepolos, who traveled to the Philippines for a knowledge exchange workshop. There, she met Indigenous peoples from around the world, visited Indigenous reserves and explored ideas her community could adapt. She has also participated in similar exchange visits in Benin and represented her group at COP 25 in Spain.
This exchange visit served as a powerful reminder that when women come together, empowered, united and determined, they can lead their communities toward a brighter, greener and more equitable future.
