About us

Background

Reto Olkesen Women Association is a non-governmental organization that came into existence on 15th February 2019 for welfare in the education field.

Reto Women Association has been in existence since 1986 and was very active until the early 2000s. Though the association appeared to be dormant, office bearers at that time used the certificate to register a radio station in Samburu. The association remained dormant until November 2018 when the government shooting of 300 head of cattle in Laikipia made it imperative to resurrect the association to protest against this injustice to Maa herders in Laikipia. The members demonstrated on 22nd November 2018.

What we do?

ROWA drives change through cultural festivals that unite Maa-speaking communities and preserve their heritage. Our health programs focus on cancer awareness and non-communicable disease screenings, with plans to expand outreach to rural areas. We actively work to preserve the Maa language through literary initiatives and address environmental issues like sand harvesting and charcoal burning. Our advocacy extends to responsible land management, and we remain committed to empowering women and youth through education, mentorship, and training. Everything we do aligns with our goal of building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.

Message from the Chair

"Reto o Reto olashe lenkiteng ai”, our slogan, embodies a spirit of mutual help, 'lending a helping hand’ through self sacrifice, friendship, sharing of experiences and building of partnerships.

I am greatly humbled to be chairing RETO since 2018. RETO/RWA has been in existence for over three decades and has accomplished A great deal in the field of women and girls’ empowerment with its greatest achievement being the fostering of unity among the Maa speaking people of Kenya and Tanzania through Cultural Festivals, a forum for appreciating and embracing the community’s distinct cultural endowment. It is intended to develop this function further in the future, within the confines of our mandate, by undertaking activities to preserve and revitalise the Maa language through development of literary materials.

Best Wishes & Regards
Julie Topirian Kipuri
Chair
Reto Olkesen Women Association