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

Enjoy Maasai tea with the women cooperative after a traditional dance and beadmaking lessons!

Maasai women will always step forward and give each others a helping hand when the need 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 cooperative 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 about 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 Merrueshi Women Cooperative. This is a remarkable group of women worth your support.