About three decades ago the patriarchal society in northern Kenya changed drastically. Almost 30 years ago, Rebecca Lolosoli founded a village as a safe haven for 15 women, who survived sexual assault and rape by British soldiers in 1990.

Today however, the village Umoja has grown to give shelter to any and all women trying to escape genital mutilation, sexual assault and rape, domestic violence, or child marriage. Umoja in Swahili literally means ‘unity’. This village has also encouraged and empowered other women in nearby districts to start their own matriarchal form of society by absolute exclusion of men. 

Watch this video to learn more about the village and women residing there.

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