Wisdom from Maasai Women

Throughout the process of painting, we met inspiring women who shared their wisdom with us. We bring to you a selection of 5 women and their life lessons.

Julianne Huche Kisau has lived in this village for the past 40 years. She says that it was always difficult for them to procure water as it was not easily available. “We still have to walk for long hours to get water. I don’t want my children to go through this situation. I want to get educated and become a doctor and engineer.” Her life lesson is “Try to change your life for the better according to your situation.” She is getting educated and learning how to operate a computer.

Teresa Maya’s life lesson is based on a Maasai proverb, “Respect can build a mountain.” She is a passionate entrepreneur, who sells beaded jewellery and teaches the craft to young Maasai women. “I respect the work that I do because of which I was able to send my children to school, and run my home”. Her goal in her life is to make her fellow Maasai independent.

For 16-year-old Daima, Changes are important in life. She shared that in earlier days, Morans and young women would get together and spend the entire evening dancing and singing together. Now, this has become rare, as many are spending their time focusing on education. “I too want to get educated. My dream is to become a teacher because I love to teach!”

35-year-old Botoro is the first wife of her husband. Traditionally, polygamy is a common practice in Maasai society. But many people are now shunning away from this tradition. Her husband married three times. “His second wife ran away when she realised he was marrying the third one. I couldn’t go anywhere because I am an orphan. My parents died a long time ago. I am poor and my husband is a drunkard. What can I do? I cannot give up. So I try to hold strong and face the challenges life presents to me. Although I am civil with my husband’s third wife I do feel marrying more than one wife should be banned. I will never let my boys marry more than once. You should be allowed only when you are economically sound.”

Nasniyaari is a 25-year-old Maasai woman. Her life lesson is “Don’t run away from your family.” She has been married for 8 years and is now a mother. “My child makes me so happy as I have become a complete woman now. Family is important because I see children in the community without mothers being scattered. They have no direction.”