Our mission is to uplift the community by advocating for their rights, mentoring future leaders, raising awareness on critical issues, forming strategic partnerships, and promoting accountability across all areas of life.
We envision a socio-economically empowered Maa community where individuals thrive and contribute meaningfully to society through sustainable opportunities.
ROWA offers a range of programmes designed to uplift the Maa community. We organize cultural festivals to foster unity and celebrate our heritage, while also working to preserve the Maa language through the creation of literary materials. Our health initiatives include cancer awareness and non-communicable disease screenings, with a focus on expanding outreach to rural populations through partnerships with healthcare providers and supporters. We are committed to environmental conservation, addressing challenges like sand harvesting and charcoal burning, and advocating for responsible land use to protect community resources. Additionally, we empower women and youth through mentorship, education, and training, equipping them to become leaders and change-makers within their communities.
ROWA unites the Maa community through cultural festivals and language preservation, ensuring that heritage and traditions are celebrated and sustained.
Through health campaigns and environmental advocacy, ROWA improves access to healthcare and promotes sustainable land practices in rural communities.
ROWA empowers women and youth with mentorship and leadership programs, fostering resilience and social justice through partnerships and community action.
About us
Founded in 1986, Reto Women Association (ROWA) was initially active but became dormant in the early 2000s, though its certificate was later used to register a radio station in Samburu. In 2018, the association was revived in response to the government’s shooting of 300 cattle in Laikipia, which sparked protests and the submission of a memorandum demanding justice for Maa herders. This revival, branded as "NEW RETO," refocused the association on key issues, including environmental conservation, responsible land management, health and education, and the empowerment of women and youth. Since then, ROWA has grown into a vibrant platform dedicated to advocacy and community action.
Have a glimpse at our past endeavours. There are many memories to share but only a few can be captured, the rest you may find in the eyes of the empowered.
Join Reto Olkesen Women Association as a volunteer and make a difference in the lives of the community. Your time, skills, and passion can help us empower women and youth, promote health, preserve culture, and create lasting change. Together, we can uplift communities and inspire hope—become a part of our mission today!