Violence Threatens Rebecca Lolosoli and Umoja Uaso Village in Kenya: An Update
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Rebecca Lolosoli, founder of Umoja Uaso Women's Village in Kenya
On August 20, Rebecca Lolosoli, Kenyan leader and founder of Umoja Uaso Women’s Village, who informed Vital Voices that she was confronted with violent threats by her estranged husband earlier this week, secured legal representation and petitioned a local Samburu court for protection. Recently, with Vital Voices’ support, Rebecca traveled to the United States to showcase artisan products from Umoja at the Santa Fe Folk Art Festival. Proceeds from the sales and fundraising efforts belong to the entire community. Having learned about Umoja’s income, Rebecca’s estranged husband and another family member traveled to Umoja allegedly armed with a gun and confronted her on August 18.
The court has granted Rebecca an injunction that prohibits her estranged husband from entering the Umoja village. Law enforcement will inform Rebecca’s husband, who has not been charged with any crimes, that he cannot enter Umoja. Officials also plan to visit the Umoja village to reassure residents that measures are being taken to protect the community.
Uncertain and insecure, Rebecca remains reluctant to return to Umoja. She plans to travel to Nairobi to meet with members of Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), an organization with expertise in violence against women. Members of Vital Voices Global Leadership Network in and around Nairobi have shown extraordinary effort in reaching out to Rebecca and providing for her needs.
Vital Voices is grateful to members of its network in Kenya, including Jane Kiragu, Eva Muraya and Phyllis Mwangi, as well as Mendi Njonjo of the Advocacy Project, for their efforts on Rebecca’s behalf. The U.S. State Department Africa Bureau, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, and the Office of Global Women’s Issues at the U.S. State Department are also monitoring the situation. Finally, the Kenya Embassy in Washington has made calls to local officials to ensure that all steps are being taken to protect Rebecca’s safety.
As we continue to learn more about Rebecca’s situation, we will keep our network updated and provide information about the ways in which all can express their support for Rebecca and the women of Umoja Uaso.
Posted on August 19:
On August 18, Rebecca Lolosoli, founder of Umoja Uaso Women’s Village, informed Vital Voices that she was confronted by allegedly armed male family members demanding access to the village’s land and money. Located in the remote and isolated Samburu region of Kenya, Umoja is a safe haven for women fleeing domestic violence. This recent violence traumatized this protected community, displacing Rebecca and instilling fear among Umoja’s women and children.
Rebecca is an accomplished member of the Vital Voices Global Leadership Network. Recently, with Vital Voices’ support, Rebecca traveled the United States in July to showcase artisan products from Umoja at the Santa Fe Folk Art Festival. Proceeds from the sales and fundraising efforts belong to the entire community. When Rebecca returned to Kenya she deposited the earnings in Umoja’s account.
Having learned about Umoja’s income, Rebecca’s estranged husband and another family member traveled to Umoja allegedly armed with a gun and ready to confront her. Rebecca told Vital Voices that she suffered an awful beating before her estranged husband demanded she turn over Umoja’s earnings to him. Rebecca refused. She escaped, fled, and reported the crime. Uncertain and insecure she briefly returned to Umoja before fleeing the region. A majority of Umoja’s women residents have also scattered, waiting for security to improve and a sense of normalcy to return.
Rebecca filed complaints with the local police chief in Archer’s Post, Kenya, and also with the area police chief in the town of Maralal. According to these authorities, the alleged attack is considered a domestic incident that does not justify police intervention. Vital Voices is working closely with partners in the US and Kenya, including the Advocacy Project, to urge the police to take action to protect Rebecca and the women of Umoja.
A remarkable leader and valued member of the Vital Voices network, Rebecca and her safety, as well that as all the women of Umoja, are of great concern to Vital Voices and its international supporters. We are actively monitoring threats to her safety and coordinating with members of the Vital Voices Network, partner organizations, and public officials of the U.S. and Kenyan governments, to protect Rebecca and Umoja from threats to their security and well being.
We ask that our network members and supporters stay alert and vigilant, and we will provide updates on Rebecca’s condition and information about ways that all can support this exceptional leader.
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By vital voices staff on August 19th 2009 in Africa, Economic Empowerment, Political Participation, Vital Voices, Vital Voices Network, Women's Rights
Lynne Winters responded on 20 Aug 2009 at 6:19 am #
What can I do? What can I do? The lives and the financial earnings of these women must be protected. These are human beings striving for their own freedom and the means to support themselves. They deserve to be honored, respected and protected from harm.
Jane Wilner responded on 20 Aug 2009 at 8:58 am #
My sentiments as expressed in an email to others who were with her in Santa Fe:
It is so hard to be so far and know of these tragic circumstances. All of Rebecca’s friends here are frantic.
Joyce has reported that she spent Tuesday locked up for safety in the “museum” in Umoja, that she spent Wednesday with a friend in Isiolo and today is traveling to Nairobi where she will meet with lawyers from FIDA and other womens rights groups.
What can we do? VV has already reached out to the US Embassy in Nairobi as well as the Kenya Embassy in DC who have promised to take action.
But, as Karin expressed, the real tragedy is that Umoja, its women, its spirit, its existence has been threatened and scattered. Let’s hope that the will and courage that has preserved, grown and strengthened them will prevail. Let’s hope that they will continue to fight for progress and that this incident will not discourage them from further success. Money need not be the root of all evil.
Rebecca returned home with a small fortune by local standards.
She had been approached by her son before her trip to Santa Fe demanding money…..but not beaten! Let’s inform the trainers at Santa Fe that security and safety should be included in their program to include practical measures to help prevent this even when the odds are so great in a culture that resents women acquiring a measure of wealth.
We saw Rebecca’s many inner resources. She was the last one standing, smiling, selling, spreading cheer in Santa Fe. May she prevail.
Please, Joyce, VV, etc keep us all informed and let us know if any opportunity to help presents itself.
I had just emailed Rebecca about next year and our plans, asking her if she wanted to return, if she wanted her own booth, or if she wanted share one with Bridges. I am sure this might delay her answer. I am prepared, however, to make application for her and will work out the arrangements with Kathleen.
Warm wishes to all, Jane
marian diggs responded on 20 Aug 2009 at 3:40 pm #
It still amazes me that this kind of treatment against women is still tolerated.Where is our government?Where is the media?What Can I do??Please let me know.Even if it is no more then spreading the word.
Mary Yerrick responded on 24 Aug 2009 at 8:31 am #
This is a most unfortunate and tragic wake-up call to this group and to other groups working toward sustainable progress to stay on-guard and anticipate your likely enemies because the more successful you become the more vulnerable you will be to attack from the outside. It is time to bolster your internal safety and strengthen your support in the greater community. I pray that you will achieve and be able to maintain a peaceful and progressive community. God bless you and keep you and your women safe, Rebecca.
Frieda Arth responded on 24 Aug 2009 at 5:44 pm #
I’m just beside myself over this terrible news! I had the good fortune to meet Rebecca at my home in Santa Fe during Folk Art Market and I so admire her and all of the women from Umoja and Vital Voices. I’m keeping all fingers and toes crossed that she is able to get legal and emotional support soon.
Charlene Cerny responded on 24 Aug 2009 at 10:00 pm #
Please let Rebecca know that all of her friends at the Santa Fe International Folk Art Market are praying for her safety and those in the Umoja community.
Lynda Marks responded on 25 Aug 2009 at 2:26 pm #
What a horrific experience for Rebecca to have to endure. When we met at the Vital Voices offices in DC she talked so much about the issues and challenges the women in Umoja Uaso face and to hear that she fell victim to such violence is appalling. I believe that her strong will and sense of justice will help her deal with this crisis. Please tell her that we at the National Museum of Women in the Arts are thinking about her and look forward to seeing her this spring.
Debbie Myers responded on 28 Aug 2009 at 10:31 am #
I am so sorry to hear about this incident. I was fortunate to have had the opportunity to meet Rebecca in Santa Fe and again in Washington, DC. She is an incredible woman who is so passionate about her cause. Rebecca talked about the need to educate boys and young men about the importance of respecting women and this incident certainly highlights that need. Please let Rebecca and the women of Umoja know that they are in my thoughts and prayers. I will check back regularly for updates.
Victoria Senkubuge Byoma responded on 28 Aug 2009 at 2:48 pm #
Dear Rebecca,
You should remain steadfast and not yield to any intimidation whatsoever. The steps taken are in the right direction and you should reinforce these with renewed resolve to continue with your good work.
We are right behind you and pray this furor ends quick so you continue with your great effort.
Hilary Gbedemah responded on 01 Sep 2009 at 8:00 am #
Rebecca, our thoughts and prayers are with you. These are difficult times, but we know you will prevail. Pioneering has never been easy - keep your eyes on the prize. Future generations will be grateful that you stood firm.
Sophie Dowllar responded on 08 Sep 2009 at 12:57 pm #
When i first saw the email from a list serve where i have subscribed. I could not believe it. Rebecca is a strong woman who is our (world march of women) constituency leader in Samburu. It is very sad indeed because she is a leader, a mentor and a role model for women in Umoja. Her struggles have made Umoja Village a relaity. We know how domestic Violence is still rampant in this part of the world, and we also know how authorities treat domestic violence cases.
Mine is hope for Rebecca. I just want to tell her that we stand in solidarity with her, and thatwe beleive we shall overcome someday.
Stay strong sister Rebecca, many women are looking up to you. Be strong, and rememeber you are not alone.
In sisterhood solidarity
Sophie
World March of Women responded on 09 Sep 2009 at 8:18 am #
“Bonjour,
Nous sommes vraiment de coeur avec notre copine Rebbeca que nous soutenons
En toute solidarité
Yaba, Mali”
(Hello. We stand together with, and support, our sister Rebecca. In solidarity, Yaba, Mali)
Jussara Alves responded on 09 Sep 2009 at 8:40 am #
A luta de nós mulheres por liberdade e igualde gera revolta nessa sociedade extremamente maxista que vivemos, trazendo com isso todo tipo de violência, mas não devemos desistir da luta, com certeza seremos vitoriosas.
Louiza Chetti responded on 09 Sep 2009 at 10:34 am #
It’s people like Rebecca who make people’s mind and conscience advance! Stay strong Rebecca and thanks for all the silently suffering women all over the world. I’m convinced you will find a hand to hold yours in such hard conditions.
Iolanda Toshie Ide responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 6:50 am #
Compañera Rebeca Lolosoli,
Presentamos nuestra solidaridad y deseamos fuerza en su lucha.
Iolanda Toshie Ide
Presidenta del Consejo de los Derechos de las Mujeres de Lins
Lins, Estado de São Paulo, BRASIL
Ghislaine Jalbert responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 1:48 pm #
Comment la police peut-elle considérer comme un citoyen respectable un homme qui menace sa femme et 48 autres femmes. C’est désespérant. Vivement que la police fasse son vrai travail: la protection des citoyens et des CITOYENNES. Je suis de tout coeur avec Rébecca
Ghislaine Jalbert, Montréal, Canada
Eileen Perry responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 1:54 pm #
Please stop all that violence agains Rebecca Lolosoli.
Ce message est un appui à la solidarité contre la violence que subit Madame Rebecca Lolosoi afin qu’elle cesse.
Eileen Perry
Louise Cote responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 2:23 pm #
Comme nord-américaine nous ne pouvons accepter ce genre de comportement. J’appuie la démarche de toutes nos collègues au sujet de Mme Lolosoli en espérant que le gouvernement du Kenya reçoive toutes les lettres concernant le soutien que nous avons pour Mme Lolosoli et les femmes du groupe “Umoja Uaso “. Une copie doit être également envoyée à l’ambassade du pays au Canada et ailleurs pour faire pression.
Louise Côté de Montréal, Québec, Canada
Jacinthe Montplaisir responded on 10 Sep 2009 at 2:47 pm #
Je suis de tout coeur avec toi Rebecca.
J’espère que justice se fera!
bonne chance
Jacinthe, Québec (Canada)
Bushra Shah responded on 11 Sep 2009 at 3:00 am #
Dear REBECA,
GOD and his human of the same good goal always with you. always keep strong and try to keep your strenth. when we do good work there are always have troubles those are temporary. but remember succsessful is for ever and faliuar in your path is not final.
BE STRONG.
LOVE n TAKE CARE
Bushra Shah
World March of Women responded on 11 Sep 2009 at 2:11 pm #
To our sister Rebecca,
The World March of Women - international, feminist movement - stands in solidarity with you at this most difficult of times. You are not alone, sister… women in all corners of the world are resisting and struggling and finding alternatives alongside you.
We support your struggle for the right to a life free of violence for you, your sisters in the Umoja Uaso village, and for all women…
Women on the March until we are ALL Free!
Kingwa Kamencu responded on 12 Sep 2009 at 7:30 am #
We are in solidarity with Rebecca for her good work and corageous spirit.
Laura responded on 12 Sep 2009 at 7:37 am #
Rebecca,
Your courage in the face of adversity is an example to us all. Stay strong, the sisterhood is behind you.
Laura
Nani Moras responded on 14 Sep 2009 at 3:03 am #
Rebecca, keep struggling, also for millions of sisters worldwide!
Your braveness will be an example
Nani, Marche in Switzerland
Louise B. Avec des Elles responded on 14 Sep 2009 at 1:24 pm #
Dear Mrs. Lolosoli;
We learn by our Québec coordination of the World March that you are presently receiving threats from your ex-husband and that he even attacks other women of your circle of acquaintances, going as far as terrorizing all the village; we find it unacceptable and we want to bring you our moral support in all the steps that you undertake to regain your freedom.
We are women who work in a center for women in trouble situated in the Province of Quebec in Canada and we also meet women who live the same fears as you. Our work is to accompany them and to see that they find a secure environment shielded from that kind of threat.
That is why we want to give you our support and make an appeal to all the resources or the individuals in your circle of acquaintances so that they give you assistance and protection. We also ask that the police intervene with your ex-husband so that he stops his threats at once. The control over women is enough.
Although remote and incapable to carry you assistance ourselves, please believe in our best thoughts. We encourage you to continue to fight for yourself and for all those who, worldwide, can no more endure this despicable behavior from the human race.
We all stand by you.
Louise, Nicole, Isabelle and Mireille
Ebel responded on 15 Sep 2009 at 2:15 am #
En solidarité totale avec toi Rebecca et toutes les femmes en lutte contre les maltraitances de leur mari ou ex-mari! Tenez bon et dites-nous comment vous aider concrètement! La police complice doit être dénoncée.
Marianne Ebel, marche mondiale des femmes
Claudette Bédard responded on 15 Sep 2009 at 10:25 pm #
Dear Rebecca, I am apalled, as are other feminists and suporters of women’s rights around the world that should be hunted down solely because you are, and rightly so, striving to help other women believe in themselves and their capacities to better their lives and onbe day acheive equality!. Hopefully, all these messages will be sent to ask your government as well as world governments, to intervene in your favor and prevent any harm done!
Best wishes to you and your sisters
Claudette, retired women’s center militant from Québec Canada
Geneviève Dostie responded on 16 Sep 2009 at 2:02 pm #
Malgré le fait que nous sommes éloignées, nous travaillons toutes dans le même sens… Faire cesser toute forme de violence envers les femmes. Je me sens loin au Québec, mais proche en même temps car cette violence envers les femmes est planétaire. Mes collègues du Point d’appui et moi sommes de tout coeur avec toi chère Rebecca. Que la grande déesse mère (ou dieu, appelez-le comme vous voulez) te protège dans l’adversité toi et tes compagnes.
Kathleen Blair responded on 17 Sep 2009 at 4:42 pm #
Dear Rebecca, Hopefully you will be freed from such violence. Something must be done. Best wishes from the bottom of my heart.
Kathleen, Québec, Canada
Darling Palacios López responded on 18 Sep 2009 at 9:01 pm #
Señora y compañera Rebecca.
Desde mi región azotada por muchas violencias, entre ellas de las que usted y otras viven, elevo mi voz de solidaridad y apoyo.
Porque las mujeres estamos para vivir en voz alta.
Conjuntamente,
Darling Palacios López
Buenaventura, Región del Pacifico, Colombia.
Claudine BLASCO responded on 22 Sep 2009 at 7:17 am #
When one woman is threatened in this world, all women are threatened, and the whole humanity is pulled back. Unfortunately, that’s a common way of life in North as in South, with or without laws to protect us. We need to struggle together for women s’ rights and behaviours’ changes, again and again.
Male domination is not a fatality , is only an historical, economical and political society s’building.
Rebecca and Umoja Uaso s’women , you are brave and right. Resist, we are with you.
Claudine from France , feminist and alterglobalist activist.
cottin responded on 22 Sep 2009 at 1:28 pm #
tout mon soutien à Rebecca et aux femmes du village. J’ai vu ,il y a quelque temps un reportage sur Rebecca et son village à la TV française. J’ai ressenti beaucoup d’émotion devant leur courage et leur détermination pour lutter contre les violences quelles subissent .Il semble que leur réussite déchaîne une grande jalousie et une grande violence de la part de leurs ex conjoints. Votre village devrait être marrainé par l’ensemble des réseaux de femmes de la planète car ce combat nous concerne toutes. Bernadette de la marche mondiale des femmes- France
Malika Chougui responded on 30 Sep 2009 at 4:57 am #
Tout mon soutien à Rebecca Lolosoli et au village de femmes “umoja Uaso”. Cette chasse au femmes me rappelle celle qu’il ya eu en 2005 à Tammanrasset et Ouargla en Algérie, c’est absolument intolérable. Nous devons montrer notre détermination aux autorités compétentes pour que de telles chasse cessent à travers le monde, ainsi que toutes formes de violences à l’encontre de femmes organisées ou non. Par le biais de ce réseau “Marche Mondiale des Femmes” nous avons un instrument formidable pour y parvenir. Non la domination et l’humiliation des femmes ne sont pas une fatalité,j’ajouterai :
It’s people like Rebecca who make people’s mind and conscience advance! Stay strong Rebecca and thanks for all the silently suffering women all over the world.
Malika Chougui (Paris), femme du monde, solidaire.
Stop the Rage Now responded on 18 May 2010 at 4:56 pm #
Dear Rebecca,
Our prayers are with you and all the other women of your village in Kenya.
We must come together and help everyone who has been abused, harmed,hurt and humiliated.
Please let us know how you are doing.
Our team will be coming to Kenya soon to meet with you at your village.
Make the World a Better Place. Inspire others.
http://www.stoptheragenow.com
Stop the Rage Now responded on 18 May 2010 at 4:59 pm #
God bless the people who are there to help others.
Thank you.
http://www.stoptheragenow.com