Maasai Women Building Livelihoods through the Naboisho Women’s Group
At the Naboisho Women’s Craft Centre in Kenya, over 100 Maasai women are working together to build reliable sources of income for their households, building self-empowerment, while continuing cultural practices that have long been part of their identity. Once women become more independent, they tend to take on more responsibilities within their homesteads, often with great generosity.
Supported by the Great Plains Foundation (GPF) and Great Plains Conservation (GPC) tourism operation, the centre creates practical opportunities for women to earn, learn, and contribute meaningfully within their homes and communities. Through beadwork, honey production, and natural soap making, women are strengthening household stability and expanding their economic participation.
For many, not only does this provide income for school fees and healthcare to daily household needs, but the intangibles, such as independence, dignity, and the ability to provide for their families in remote tribal regions, are just as significant.
Great Plains Foundation Naboisho Women’s Group. Maasai women gathered at the beading craft centre.
Traditional Maasai Beadwork Meets Modern Craft
Beadwork remains central to the centre’s activities. Rooted in tradition, it continues to evolve as a viable source of income. In the final quarter of 2025, beadwork sales generated just over USD 5,700, directly supporting 85 Maasai women.
The beadwork group is managed by Maggy Ntika, Production Manager for beadwork at the Naboisho Women’s Craft Centre. Maggy notes that “Through this, I have seen these women becoming independent of their own and also the confidence they built in providing for their families.” These earnings are used for building livelihoods — supporting children’s education, improving homes, and ensuring food security.
When speaking with GPF’s Maasai Mara Community Liaison, Felix, about the impact he has seen over the years, he noted that;
“Beadwork is a tradition in the hearts of local Masai women. They do it because they were raised with it and socialised with it. They do it with a passion for cultural heritage and beauty, long before the tourism-driven economic model. In this century, beadwork art is crucial to Maasai women’s livelihoods, providing a vital source of independent income and enabling them to invest in their families’ well-being. It is a sustainable activity that has become more reliable than traditional male-dominated economic activities like livestock farming, which is vulnerable to drought. It generates direct income for women, improving household financial stability and enabling investment in education, health, and food security. Teaches traditional Maasai beadwork, a vital cultural legacy, while also training women to create market-relevant products (such as camera straps and coasters) to increase profitability. Supports families during uncertain times, such as dry seasons, by diversifying income streams beyond traditional pastoralism, as detailed by the Nkoilale Community Development Foundation, in the Naboisho Conservancy.”
Sustainable Livelihoods Through Honey Production
Honey production, managed by five women’s groups across the Nkoilale community, generated just over USD 1,300 in the same period. While modest in scale, this income contributes to greater financial resilience and supports women in taking on more active economic roles within their households.
Maasai Women Expanding Skills Through Sustainable Soap-Making
Natural soap making provides an additional opportunity to diversify skills and income. Using environmentally responsible methods, this activity continues to grow as part of the centre’s broader approach to sustainable livelihoods.
Meaningful Impact
Across all activities, the impact extends beyond individuals. The centre includes 175 Maasai women and benefits an estimated over 1,000 family members. Savings groups have also emerged, helping women build financial discipline and access small-scale capital for further development.
Alongside economic benefits, the centre plays an important role in maintaining culture and tradition. Traditional beadwork techniques are preserved and passed on, while adapting to contemporary markets through new product designs.
As one community member shared:
“GPF has really helped improve the lives of our mothers. Seeing them doing the work they love most is a very special feeling. We are forever grateful.”
— Mary Kirokorr
The Naboisho Women’s Craft Centre reflects what community empowerment looks like in practice, creating opportunities for women to earn an income, support their families, and take pride in their work.
When these opportunities are in place, the impact is far-reaching: stronger households, improved access to education and healthcare, empowered women, and communities better equipped to navigate change.
Great Plains Foundation. Naboisho Conservancy, Kenya.
To learn more, please contact us at info@greatplainsfoundation.com or visit our donate page if you would like to make a contribution to support this work.
