Rebecca Lolosoli had been living a quiet life, observing the traditions of her Samburu culture. As a child, she had witnessed occasional violence, and as a woman she came to see that some of the Samburu traditional practices were forcing women to endure abuse, often forcing victims to live in silence and shame, or even to be disowned and shunned from their homes and families. Her empathy for other women compelled her to begin speaking out on behalf of those who were marginalized and silenced—victims of rape, forced marriage, female genital cutting; as well as widows, and orphans.

She raised her concerns at village meetings and public forums to encourage men to respect women and girls, care for widows, and to provide support to women survivors of rape or domestic violence. Her outspokenness was met with hostility and her challenge of the authority of men was perceived as a grave insult. She was severely beaten like the many women for whom she was advocating, and she chose to leave the violence and begin a new life.

In 1990, Rebecca and 16 other homeless women came together for mutual protection and formed the Umoja Uaso Women’s Organization. Umoja, which means ‘unity’, is now a safe haven for women and girls fleeing abuse, as well as a training center for those seeking to promote human rights, economic empowerment, and the preservation of indigenous art and crafts. The women of Umoja provide for their children and themselves through the sale of their beaded jewelry and crafts, which include traditional as well as contemporary products. They have developed a system of resource sharing and have been able to establish a sickness and disability fund, a community center, and a school for their children and those in the surrounding area.

Rebecca has never forgotten the reason for Umoja’s creation, and while working to empower women financially, she also works to create an awareness of the human rights of women and girls, with goal of helping families to be healthy, whole, and free of abuse. She and other Umoja leaders have held over 30 workshops for men and women on such issues as the rights of the girl-child, female reproductive health and HIV/AIDS, violence prevention, and women’s human rights.

Owing to Rebecca’s leadership, the Umoja Organization has inspired change in surrounding communities. Nearly 60 other women’s groups have been formed throughout the Samburu District and other districts in northern Kenya, inspired by the success of the Umoja group. The members of these groups come to Umoja for training and information, and Rebecca and Umoja representatives proactively share their knowledge and opportunities with these neighboring women’s groups. 

Despite repeated threats and attacks, she continues to work for women’s rights. Her goal is to curb violence against women and the negative cultural practices that are harmful to women’s health, safety and well-being.