In Iloodokilani, on the southern plains of Kajiado County, women have long been the silent engines of their households tending to animals, fetching water, and managing small farms, often under tough climatic conditions. For years, their economic contribution went unrecognized, and their efforts to save money were limited to informal groupings that rarely grew beyond a few shillings shared among friends.
Today, these same women are at the heart of a new story, one of collective empowerment and economic transformation driven by the FAIR for ALL Project under the Rural Women Network (RWN).
From Informal Circles to Formal Enterprises
It all began with the simple idea that even small savings could build resilience. Through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), women started saving a few coins each week. These gatherings soon became spaces of solidarity, where women shared not only money but also experiences, ideas, and hope.
As these savings groups grew stronger, RWN recognized their potential to evolve into more formal, sustainable institutions. In 2024, through the FAIR for ALL Project, RWN began supporting women's groups in three project areas to transition into registered women-led Multi-Purpose Cooperative Societies.
Building Foundations for Growth
The journey toward forming cooperatives required dedication and learning. RWN, in collaboration with county cooperative officers, facilitated a series of trainings on governance, record-keeping, and cooperative principles. Women learned how to draft by-laws, elect leaders, and hold accountable meetings.
Leadership in Action: Women at the Helm
To build confidence and capacity among the newly elected leaders, RWN organized a two-day Leadership and Governance Workshop at the National Rabbit Conservation and Training Institute in Ngong. The training emphasized transparency, accountability, and strategic decision-making.
"It was not just about bookkeeping — it was about believing that we could lead," shared one participant proudly.
Turning Savings into Livelihoods
Beyond the economic benefits, cooperatives fostered a deep sense of unity. When droughts or family crises struck, members rallied around one another. They pooled emergency funds to support families in need or to sustain communal water projects. This solidarity became a social safety net, cushioning households against the shocks of climate change and economic uncertainty.