Maasai women artisans eye global market

By correspondent They had never earned an income or owned property but today, the women from a rural Maasai group can support their families.They make colourful beaded necklaces, earrings and other beaded necklacesCommonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma and his wife Babli with members of Namayiana Maasai Group when they visited them in Ngong. Members of Namayiana Women Group gather under an acacia tree beside their small storehouse daily. The women from the Maasai community in Rift Valley Province chat and laugh as they sew beads on leather bracelets and wire ornaments. All are wearing the jewellery and dressed in colourful regalia.The Maasai are known for their unique beadwork. The jewellery, ornaments, baskets, walking sticks and sandals they make are traditional in style and colour, blending with the colours on Kenyan flag.The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Kenya Export Promotion Council are working with them to make their products more attractive on the international market."The idea is to get them out of the traditional things they do into new areas that can bring them money and improve their business. So, the product designs and development were inspired by international market designs," says Timothy William, Head of Enterprise and Agriculture Section at the Commonwealth Secretariat.When startedNamayiana was started in 1985 to help women earn income from selling traditional Maasai handicrafts. Based at the hamlet of Kikuma in Oloshoibor near Ngong town, the group has 112 members.Being a semi-arid land, many women here are poor and are not educated. Women walk long distances to fetch water, which is a rare commodity.Ms Agnes Nouwason Marona says: "We do our beadwork, sell them and get money. We used to depend on our husbands to get food but now, we can support ourselves."A member of the group wearing some of their jewellery. [PHOTOS: STANDARD CORRESPONDENT]"Apart from income, we also own property," she adds.Given that few of the Namayiana women have formal education, their employment by the group has enabled them to earn a stable income through beadwork, a tradition that originated when the first Maasai was born."We got involved because we wanted to alleviate poverty in the community. The project has changed our lives and we are able to improve our living standards and build iron sheet houses, which are better," a smiling Leah Tipina, Assistant Project Manager said, during a recent visit by the Commonwealth Secretary-General.Last year, the secretariat employed two designers who trained 44 women on new designs in weaving, sculptures and knitwear.They were also trained on business and marketing management skills to enable them market their products. After the training, the best presentations were picked at a mini-exhibition and showcased at a trade fair in Germany to test their market potential.At the fair, the women secured orders for established stores. The group now has a large market overseas.European markets"We have been able to expose them to markets in Europe. The products we are making target the European market but is also on demand here through tourism," Matanda Wabuyele, the Chief Executive of Kenya Export Promotion Council states.During his visit, Secretary-General, Sharma Kamalesh toured the centre. Sharma was greeted with song and dance by the artisans who showcased their products.Sharma noted that the Secretariat was willing to support such projects. "If they (Namayiana Women Group) have a plan to expand we would be glad to look into it."After work, Agnes heads home and begins her chores. With the money she earns, she is able to support her family better. Like her, most women in Namayiana who were jobless before now earn an income."The work is good, but if we get more assistance we shall do even better," Ms Mary Kinyikinaiya says.—Feature courtesy of Commonwealth Press

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