Empowering Maasai Women: MPs Urge Shunning Retrogressive Practices to Boost Girl Child Education

Twelve Members of Parliament (MPs) gathered at Suswa Girls’ Secondary School in Narok County for a transformative forum dubbed ‘Wezesha Mama, Inua Jamii.’ Hosted by Narok Woman Representative Rebecca Tonkei, the event saw thousands of Maasai women and community members come together to address critical issues affecting girls’ education and women’s roles in society.

The forum’s primary message was clear: retrogressive cultural practices, such as Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), early marriages, and teenage pregnancies, must be abandoned to allow girls to achieve their full potential. Faith Gitau, the chairperson of the Parliamentary Women Caucus and MP for Nyandarua, led the charge, emphasizing the importance of education and role models. Gitau highlighted the inspiring journey of Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, a Narok native who overcame numerous obstacles to rise to her current position. Her success story was presented as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of education and perseverance.

Gitau’s call for change resonated strongly with the attendees. “This county is blessed because you have a role model, Cabinet Secretary for Defence Soipan Tuya, who was born and raised up in this county,” Gitau stated. “She beat all odds until she became a polished lawyer and now a cabinet secretary.”

Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina shared her personal story, illustrating the struggles she faced growing up in a modest background. Despite these challenges, Maina remained focused on her education and eventually succeeded in improving her family’s living standards. She urged Maasai women to protect their children from societal harms and to foster environments where their children can thrive academically. “Though we struggle to live a decent life, we must shield our children from all forms of harm that could hinder their dreams,” Maina advised.

Ann Muratha, MP for Kiambu, encouraged women to take responsibility for their families’ well-being and education. She addressed single women and widows, urging them not to be discouraged by their circumstances but to invest in their children’s education, despite financial constraints. “Despite your condition, take your children to school and pay the little that you can. The rest do not mind because God will come in various forms like bursaries or well-wishers,” Muratha said.

Cynthia Muge, MP for Nandi, reflected on the cultural changes over time, noting the decline in practices like FGM due to increased awareness and education. She encouraged women to continue embracing modern values and champion the cause of girls’ education. “The world is changing; hence there are some retrogressive cultures that we have to abandon in modern days. I challenge women to champion for the education of their girls,” Muge urged.

The forum also featured notable figures such as Narok Governor’s wife Agnes Ntutu and several other MPs, including Leah Sankaire (Kajiado), Umulkheri Kassim (Mandera), Naomi Waqo (Marsabit), Beatrice Adagala (Vihiga), Pauline Lenguris (Samburu), Liza Chelule (Nakuru), and Beatrice Kemei (Kericho). Their presence underscored the collective effort to drive change and promote unity.

In a gesture of support, Tonkei distributed Sh7.744 million in bursaries to vulnerable children and donated essential resources, including ten water tanks and five large tents, to women’s groups. This tangible support aims to alleviate some of the immediate challenges faced by the community and foster further engagement in educational and empowerment initiatives.

The MPs concluded the event by calling on residents to support President William Ruto’s development efforts, aligning with the Kenya Kwanza administration’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). The forum highlighted the critical role of women in shaping a brighter future for the next generation and reinforced the need for continued advocacy and action against practices that hinder girls’ education and empowerment.