“Women have the right to lead in the community. We will not wait for appointments but rather campaign for those positions. It is about remaining committed and going for what you want. This will change the picture of women,”
(Mary Komen, a staunch women’s human rights defender and a woman leader from Embobut)
In a powerful demonstration of solidarity and shared knowledge, indigenous women groups from Kenya and Uganda recently came together for two exchanges aimed at preserving traditional knowledge, fostering environmental sustainability, and strengthening community leadership. These exchanges, supported by the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA) and facilitated by Indigenous-Led Education (ILED) network, highlighted the critical role of indigenous women in climate action and cultural preservation.
In-Kenya Exchange: Sengwer and Ogiek Women Unite
From January 30th to 31st, 2025, 55 women from the Sengwer and Ogiek communities gathered at the Sengwer Cultural Centre in Kabolet, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. This two-day exchange focused on sharing best practices in preserving indigenous knowledge related to food, medicine, and cultural values.
The event began with a warm welcome from community leaders, who emphasized the crucial role of women in environmental protection and community development. Participants discussed the impact of climate change on indigenous crops and the importance of preserving traditional seeds. The Ogiek women shared their expertise in beekeeping, a traditional practice in their communities and essential for ecosystem health. Meanwhile, the Sengwer women showcased their efforts in language revitalization, seed banking, and traditional pest management.
The exchange concluded with a strong commitment to continue collaborating on sustainability efforts, adopting agroecological practices, and promoting indigenous knowledge. Participants pledged to empower women in leadership roles and ensure the transmission of cultural heritage to future generations.
Kenya-Uganda Exchange: Learning Across Borders
Building on the success of the in-Kenya exchange, six Ogiek women and six Sengwer women traveled to Uganda on February 8th, 2025, for a cross-border learning experience. Organized by Friends of Environment in Development (FED), one of our ILED partners in the Africa region, and facilitated by Violet Matriu, this exchange aimed to explore how the Batooro communities of Kibasi parish, Kabarole district in Uganda, preserve indigenous knowledge in traditional medicine.
The Ogiek women visited Rukinga and Kigando villages, where they were warmly welcomed by local communities. In Rukinga, they learned about medicinal plants and their uses, guided by community members who shared personal experiences with traditional healing practices. In Kigando, the visitors were treated to an exhibition of medicinal plants, traditional food processing tools, and cultural practices, accompanied by music and dance.
A highlight of the visit was a trip to the Tooro Botanical Garden, a 100-acre site established by the indigenous Batooro communities, dedicated to restoring degraded forests, promoting indigenous vegetations, and conserving indigenous tree species. The botanical garden also provides a market for indigenous medical remedies that come from the plants in the garden.
“When I started labour during the birth of my first child, I used this herb that I had heard the older women talking about. The herb not only eased my labour pains, but it also speeded up the delivery of my baby. I thank the elders for sharing this knowledge with us younger people” Young Batooro Woman
The garden also houses an apiary with 100 beehives, producing honey, bee venom, wax, and wine. The Ogiek and Sengwer women gained valuable insights into how Ugandan communities integrate traditional medicine with conservation efforts, combining reforestation, medicinal plant cultivation, and sustainable beekeeping.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Alliances and Advocacy
The success of these exchanges has laid the groundwork for future collaborations. The Ugandan women expressed interest in visiting the Sengwer and Ogiek communities in Kenya, while the Ogiek women are developing a proposal for an ILED small grant to pilot sustainable projects in their regions. Additionally, the Sengwer and Ogiek women plan to organize exhibitions and competitions to further promote indigenous knowledge and cultural practices.
These exchanges are a testament to the power of indigenous women leading climate action. By sharing knowledge, building alliances, and advocating for their rights, they are not only preserving their cultural heritage but also contributing to global efforts for environmental sustainability and social justice.
Stay tuned for more updates on the inspiring work of indigenous women in Africa regions! 🌍✨
For more information, check out the video summary of the Kenya-Uganda exchange
and watch the local news coverage of the Kenya-Uganda exchange on [TV West Uganda]