Elizabeth Muthoni, a school teacher and community organiser, adeptly balances her domestic responsibilities with her crucial role in community-based environmental initiatives. She not only manages her household but also leads projects that advocate for sustainable farming practices and water conservation in her village. Her efforts play a vital role in ensuring food security and water availability, while also educating her community about the significance of environmental conservation.
Grace Wangari, a nurse, leads health education programmes in her community. Beyond her professional duties, she engages in tree-planting campaigns and waste management initiatives, advocating for cleaner environments and healthier lifestyles. Her leadership in environmental stewardship reflects her commitment to balancing societal and ecological responsibilities, inspiring others to adopt sustainable practices.
Across the Nile Basin, women’s roles as primary caregivers have extended beyond their households, fostering a profound commitment to safeguarding the region’s ecological and cultural heritage. Women drive community-led conservation initiatives that emphasise sustainable land use and effective water resource management, which are essential for the region’s environmental and social resilience.
Both Elizabeth Muthoni and Grace Wangari are from Kenya’s Laikipia County, where women participate in a range of activities and programmes focused on biodiversity conservation. Organisations like the Laikipia Wildlife Forum provide platforms for women to engage in biodiversity conservation. Through educational programmes, women gain expertise in conservation practices, enabling them to spearhead initiatives such as planting indigenous trees, restoring degraded landscapes, and implementing sustainable farming techniques.
In areas reliant on the Ewaso Ng’iro River, women participate in local water committees and community-based organisations, advocating for sustainable irrigation and equitable water distribution. Additionally, they promote eco-tourism, which blends traditional practices with sustainable principles, celebrating the region’s cultural heritage and natural landscapes. These efforts foster environmental stewardship and support local economies, making conservation economically viable for diverse communities.
A hallmark of the women-led efforts in Laikipia County is their dedication to environmental education within families, schools, and community centres. These efforts empower children to become informed environmental stewards capable of addressing future challenges sustainably.
For instance, community leader Jane Njeri educates local communities about sustainable water use and conservation. Through local water committees and educational programmes facilitated by organisations like the Laikipia Wildlife Forum, Jane ensures equitable water distribution and instils a deep appreciation for water resources among children and adults alike.
Similarly, Mary Wanjiku, a farmer and mother, teaches her children sustainable farming techniques that prioritise soil conservation and biodiversity. Her efforts contribute to food security and nurture a generational commitment to safeguarding Laikipia’s natural resources.
By engaging children in tree planting and recycling projects, women like Sarah Njeri, a primary school teacher, instil a sense of ownership and responsibility towards preserving Laikipia’s natural resources. Sarah integrates environmental education into the curriculum, teaching children about biodiversity conservation and sustainable farming practices. Through hands-on activities, she encourages her students to become advocates for environmental sustainability within their families and communities.
Community leader Lucy Akinyi organises educational workshops where children learn about water conservation and ecosystem protection. These workshops not only educate but also encourage children to advocate for environmental sustainability within their families and communities. Lucy’s inclusive approach transcends traditional gender norms by empowering both girls and boys to actively participate in caring for their environment.
We often talk about solving problems, overcoming challenges, or transforming issues. But what if we focused on limiting our participation in the creation of these problems in the first place? This is exactly what the women in Laikipia County are doing. They ensure that future generations do not contribute to the issues we face today.
By blending their caregiving roles with proactive environmental activism, the women in Laikipia County protect natural resources, shape their community’s identity, and advance gender equity. Their initiatives foster a deep reverence for the environment among younger generations, promoting a unified dedication to conservation and equitable roles in sustainable resource management.
These efforts highlight the importance of inclusive leadership and shared responsibility in safeguarding our planet’s heritage. Through their dedication, these women demonstrate how local action can inspire global movements, ensuring a sustainable future for all and reinforcing their community’s identity as stewards of the Nile Basin.
This article is part of The Niles Issue #19, The Feminine & The Nile, produced by Media in Cooperation and Transition (MiCT) with financial support from the Stockholm International Water Institute (SIWI). It is part of the initiative The Niles: Strengthening Media Capacities and Networks in the Nile Basin, supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and commissioned by the German Federal Foreign Office (AA). The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of SIWI, GIZ, the German Federal Foreign Office, or MiCT.
