The formidable strength of Samburu women united in spirit & song
Photo by Simon Pocock
When you uplift a woman, you uplift her entire community!
As the fabric of our communities, women gently envelop, cover, and hold everyone around them in safety and warmth. Weaving together their strengths for the greater good, they embody the transformative power of unity – and when you uplift one woman, you uplift all!
It’s been so inspiring to witness it happening here in Namunyak, with Samburu women now earning an income for the first time! As entrepreneurs in The Sarara Foundation’s Milk to Market program, women are selling goat milk to Reteti Elephant Sanctuary, which in turn supports a pioneering community-driven conservation movement promoting female keepers too!
When the Milk Mamas recently visited the sanctuary, there was no shortage of joy as they witnessed Reteti’s elephants drink their goat milk. In keeping with Samburu tradition to celebrate special occasions in song, they honoured the moment with this beautiful performance – and it was such a privilege to capture it on film!
Translated below, the lyrics are a powerful testimony to their passion – and the importance of supporting and uplifting women everywhere!
Song to the elephants
by the Milk Mamas
We are Mamas
And have accepted that we live with wildlife
Especially elephants
And we share our love with them by sharing our goat and camel milk with them
Wildlife brought a lot of good things to us
Like bursaries
And it has created employment for our children
We are so happy about Reteti, which brought many people from different parts of the world to come and witness our elephants being fed and taken care of with love.
If anyone asks what Reteti Sanctuary is about, tell them it’s a place where the elephants are being taken care of with love.
Chorus
Chairlady: Bless Reteti
Milk Mamas: Bless Reteti
Chairlady: Bless the elephants
Milk Mamas: Bless the elephants
Chairlady: Bless our land that’s used to protect wildlife
Milk Mamas: Bless our land that’s used to protect wildlife
Chairlady: Bless Reteti’s management
Milk Mamas: Bless Reteti’s management
Chairlady: Bless the boda-boda drivers
Milk Mamas: Bless the boda-boda drivers
Photo by Simon Pocock
This International Women’s Day, we want to add our voices to this beautiful chorus and sing, Bless the Women of Namunyak, who inspire us with their kindness and courage – and nurture the heart and soul of our community every day.
#investinwomen #internationalwomensday
