MWEDO: Empowering Maasai Women in Northern Tanzania
In Northern Tanzania, 10,000 Maasai women are leading a quiet but powerful revolution. For over 25 years, MWEDO — the Maasai Women Development Organization — has brought women together to save, support each other, and create long-lasting change in their communities.
Through more than 500 self-help groups, women meet weekly to improve financial literacy, start small businesses, and access credit. These groups have helped over 6,300 women build economic independence, supported 850 women in securing land rights, and enabled over 500 businesses to flourish.
But MWEDO’s work goes far beyond economics. In 2011, the organization opened a girls’ secondary school and safe house — a refuge for those escaping early marriage or female genital mutilation. To date, over 1,200 girls have been educated, with 55 graduates continuing on to university.
In a region where maternal health services are limited, MWEDO also operates a health facility that safely delivers 800 babies each year. Through outreach programs, they provide health education and services to 30,000 people annually, including HIV prevention and maternal care.
MWEDO is a living example of grassroots change led by women, for women — rooted in community, resilience, and hope.
Climbing for a Cause: “Un Sommet pour Elles”
As part of its commitment to responsible tourism, TOURISMER is supporting “Un Sommet pour Elles” — a powerful climb to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters) to raise funds for the education of six young Maasai girls.
More than a physical challenge, this campaign is a human adventure — one that invites the world to take part in building brighter futures through access to education.
