Rebecca
Lolosoli started Umoja (means Unity in Swahili) in Kenya ten years
ago when women who were beaten, escaping genital mutilation, forced
into marriages or raped. They came together to create their own
village.
The
women supported themselves by making jewellery unique to the Samburu
tribe that takes three days to complete. Word spread of a safe
place where women could have choices and be self-governing and
be able to educate their children and feed the poor. Whereas in
the past, they were the beggars.
There are about 36 women in the village and still the men try
to shut them down by raiding the village. Rebecca Lolosoli spoke
in 2005 at the United Nations about women and empowerment. The
women of Umoja now have a voice and a choice.
ACA Gallery is proud to offer for sale this unique Samburu beadwork
with proceeds to their children’s school.
