Merrueshi
Women's Cooperative
The
Merrueshi Women Co-operative was established by a small group
of Maasai women who are dedicated to actively participate in
business, social and cultural activities in Merrueshi village.
The group is comprised of married women and widows.
Mission
To
empower ourselves and improve our community through income generating
activities such as handmade crafts, folklore, and livestock
production.
Goal
The
long-term goal is to alleviate poverty and other socio-economic
and cultural challenges facing Maasai women daily.
Business
Activities
•
Assist and empower each other to start small businesses
• Make and sell quality beadwork items for the world market
• Purchase and maintain a small herd of oxen, milking
cows, and goats
• Promote women investment and empowerment in our region
• Provide economic and social support to members of our
group
• Participate and be actively involved in decision-making
for matters that affects our future
• Support young girls through school
• Help to teach good family and moral values to our children
• Support women health in our region
Maasai
women will always step forward and give each other a helping
hand when the needs arise. They help each other through weddings,
hut building, and maternal care. Before a wedding, for example,
the women will come together and assemble the bridal costume.
Some will make beaded ornaments while others will make a traditional
and ceremonial garment for the bride to be.
In
the Maasai society no woman builds a house alone without the
company of others. Some will bring sticks while others will
bring water needed to plaster the hut. These are centuries old
traditions that Merrueshi women would like to keep going for
generations to come.
The
women also help each other with designs and ideas for unique
beadwork items sold in the women's cooperative shop at Maasai
Cultural Center. When you sit at the table with them you’ll
notice a great deal of love and support these women have for
one another. It is common to find them gathering under a large
acacia tree in the village discussing about children and issues
that women care most.
Maasai
women are traditionally artists. Each woman has vast skills
and knowledge to create intricate beadwork that dominates Kenya’s
fashion shows. The irony is that very few Maasai women have
the ability to generate income from their artistry. Next time
you are in Kenya make sure to stop at the Maasai Cultural Center
and support the business of the Merrueshi Women's Cooperative.
This is a remarkable group of women worth your support.
