Kenya - Where Women Rule

Stormland Productions

Domestic violence against women is rife among the Samburu in Kenya. In Samburu culture the women also do all the work, including building the homes, herding, collecting firewood and water and caring for the children. In the 1980’s and 90’s two hundred women from the tribe claimed they were raped by men from a nearby British army base. The Samburu men rejected them, whipped them and threw them out of their homes.

In 1990 a small group of these stigmatized women decided to band together and create their own village. Under the leadership of one woman, Rebecca Lollosoli, their village has prospered, taking advantage of the income from tourism. The Samburu men have tried to sabotage the tourist business and have also mounted raids on the village. Finally, the Samburu men’s chief tried to effect a reconciliation, but the women vehemently rejected his proposal. They are clearly enjoying the advantages of independence!

20 min. Video or DVD. Sale $250. Video rental $55.

African Studies Association, 2006