A Book in Her Hands

The Maasai are one of the oldest communities in the world, living in parts of Tanzania and Kenya. They are bearers of a proud culture and have been maintaining it in the face of modernity.

Traditionally, women in the Maasai society are homemakers. They are tasked to take care of the house, raise children and fulfil other household duties such as fetching water and firewood, milking the cows, and cooking.

Young girls often have to drop out of school to help their mothers with a variety of household work, especially collecting water.

For the pastoral Maasai, cows is an important asset of wealth. They often trade cows to get their children educated. But due to shortage of water, families have lost their cattle, which in turn led to economic difficulties.

Naomi is a school dropout. Her father sold all his cows to provide for her education until Grade 5. Post which, he didn’t have any cows left to sell. As a result, Naomi couldn’t continue. Many young girls, unfortunately, share the same fate as Naomi.

Raheli studied till grade 6. She couldn’t complete her studies and had to drop out of school due to a stomach infection that had to be operated on twice. After that, she had to stay at home for many years to recover. If she had continued, she would have liked to be a teacher.

"It is very important to get an education, especially for young girls, so that they become independent. I have a daughter, and I would like for her to be educated. Education is the key to life.", Raheli shared.

Despite the odds, some girls were able to get educated, and are now working towards uplifting their fellow members of Maasai society.

Christina is a teacher and one of the first women from the Losimingori village of Arusha, Tanzania who could complete her education. She is proud that she was able to complete her studies.

Neema sells vegetables in the nearby market and uses the money she earns to upskill herself. She is on her way to becoming a doctor.

Joanne is an aspiring nurse and is getting digital education.

Maya is an entrepreneur and teaches how to make traditional jewellery to young Maasai women. She was the first from her village to get educated, despite objections from some of her family members.

Raheli has found her expression in art.

With the interventions of the government and local organizations, many young girls are now getting educated and are supported by their families who would like to see their daughters as independent and not bound by the patriarchal societal norms.