By Betty Luke
Over 25 members of the Ever Ready Grassroots Women Network from Burat Ward, Isiolo, recently conducted a benchmarking tour to the Twala Tenebo Women Cultural Manyatta in Ilpolei village of Laikipia County.
The tour sought to equip the women with practical knowledge and inspiration as they plan to establish a cultural center in Burat Ward, a region known for its rich mix of culture including the Borana, Samburu, Turkana, Somali, Meru among others.
The group has already secured land for the project and is now actively mobilizing resources to begin the construction.
The Twala Tenebo Cultural Manyatta, founded by Rosemary Nenini, is a leading model in community-led cultural preservation and women’s empowerment.
With over 200 members from six women’s groups across two Maasai communities, the center brings together women to celebrate their heritage, earn income, and build community leadership.
Situated on a 40-acre piece of land, the center serves as both a conservation hub and an economic empowerment space running diverse activities such as beadwork, eco-tourism, cultural showcases, and environmental education.
Ever Ready members were inspired by how the center strengthens women’s confidence and creates a sense of pride in identity and culture while advocating for equal rights for both boys and girls.
The host group shared valuable insights from sustaining the centre to community mobilization and governance structures as well as partnerships and achieving financial sustainability.
Their journey was a testament on the potential of women with a shared vision and commitment.
For the Ever Ready network, which has been actively working on climate resilience, peacebuilding, and addressing harmful cultural practices in Isiolo, the visit was both motivational and strategic.
It affirmed their belief in culture as a tool for unity, healing, and progress.
The Monday visit was facilitated by Isiolo Gender Watch, a women-led rights organization advancing gender equality and community empowerment in Isiolo.
With land already secured, the group is now focusing on engaging stakeholders, mobilizing support, and developing a phased implementation plan.
They envision a vibrant center where diverse communities can learn from each other, preserve their heritage, conserve the environment and build a stronger, united women community.
With continued backing from Isiolo Gender Watch and other partners, the women are confidently turning their dream into a reality; one that places women at the heart of cultural preservation, climate mitigation and adaption.
