The Changing Roles of Maasai Women

Written by: Joseph Mbotte, Local Expert

Kenya, a nation rich in tradition, has for decades presented defined roles when it comes to gender responsibilities and expectations, most notably in the Maasai community. As with most things, time brings with it change in both perception and action and this is certainly the case when it comes to positions and work responsibilities for both men and women of the Maasai community.

The push for change

A bold community in all aspects, the Maasai people are steadfast and proud and have for centuries maintained that a woman’s place is in the home. Their role has traditionally been to raise the children, take care of household chores, cooking, cleaning and assisting with farm responsibilities such as milking cows.

Through curiosity, modern influences, and access to education – in recent history Maasai women have started to emerge from their roles as stay at home wives and mothers and have started to pursue a good education and subsequent career.

The importance of education and community

Quality schools and tertiary educational institutions are readily available to communities throughout Kenya and young ladies are getting excited about the prospects of a successful and satisfying career. From a young age, girls are inspired to feel confident and embolden with the knowledge that they can achieve their goals and strive for a fulfilling career in their industry of choice that contributes to more than their immediate community and environment.

With the support of their local community members, both male and female, Maasai women are able to attend schools in larger cities, attend practical training where required, and graduate without the worry of what is happening at home.

With the women of the Maasai communities proving they have what it takes to step into roles that were previously reserved for the male gender, acceptance is gradually growing throughout the community.

Efforts have been made to provide an equal opportunity for men and women in various industries. Role reversal or a synergy with regards to responsibility is a key component in the changes and strides the Maasai women are making in today’s society. Duties and tasks, both inside and outside the home, are slowly being accepted as more of a dual responsibility between the genders.

The impact of tourism on Maasai women’s roles

One of the largest industries in Kenya is the tourism and hospitality industry with a focus on the vital safari circuit. Training is a key component in the success of the tourism industry in Kenya and with courses and training programs that cater to both men and women.

Safari-goers are starting to see more and more female guides driving them through famous parks and reserves such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo National Parks. Qualified guides share the magic of the bush, an immense space of wilderness and wildlife living in symbiosis, with guests from around the world.

Seeing a Maasai woman in the driver’s seat of an open 4×4 landcruiser is a reason to celebrate and a time to acknowledge the strides that have been made over the years to elevate the Maasai women to great levels.

An interesting factor to consider is the understated role of confidant that Maasai women maintain, an advantage when it comes to sensitive and important wildlife threats such as rhino poaching. With one ear always to the ground, the close-knit Masaai female community confidently relay any important wildlife or wilderness threat they may hear of, to female safari guides. These women are then able to jump into action in the ongoing endeavor to prevent situations of animal cruelty and the destruction of ecosystems.

Moving from the African savannahs to accommodation within the parks and reserves, there is a rise in the number of strong, female-driven teams working the day-to-day operations. Sometimes women are even seen in management roles of iconic safari lodges and classic luxury camps.

The pride taken in what they have accomplished shines through from the initial meet-and-greet to the fond farewell. Seeing women in these impactful roles allows the younger female Maasai generation to have a first-hand view on just how successful they can be.

Power in progress

While some of these changing roles of Maasai women have been influenced by Kenyan legislation and possibly pressure from various human rights sectors around the world, the major step forward is taken by individual Maasai women.

They realize the difference they can make in their lives, the life of their community as a whole, and to various sectors in the workforce. From managing a safari reservation to driving guests around Lake Naivasha or Samburu National Reserve, the roles of females in the Maasai community are shifting from restricted tradition to promising and successful flexibility.