By Betty Luke
A three-day conference to celebrate the Indigenous Women Council (IWC) 10th Anniversary has kicked off in Laikipia County, bringing together hundreds of women from 23 counties in Kenya and delegates from neighbouring Tanzania and Uganda.
Founded in 2014 by 10 women from Isiolo, Laikipia, Marsabit, and Samburu counties, IWC has grown into a formidable movement advocating for the rights and visibility of indigenous and minority communities.
The celebrations began with a reflection on milestones achieved, including the formation of a minority unit and the declaration of December 18 as Minority Day, a plea made during the council’s first anniversary.
“This space has always been safe for us to speak to ourselves, and today we celebrate how far we have come,” said IWC Convener and Samburu Women Trust Executive Director Jane Meriwas.
The council reiterated its call for the government to establish a Minority State Department or Commission to ensure indigenous communities are recognized and included in national development agendas.
Ms Meriwas hailed the National Land Commission for consistently supporting land rights issues affecting indigenous groups across several counties.
At the heart of IWC’s growth and influence is its Chairperson, Grace Lolim, who also serves as Executive Director of Isiolo Gender Watch.
The two influential women have been a driving force behind the council’s expansion, strategic vision, and policy engagement.
The council has extended its footprint to 23 counties and is connected with indigenous women across borders, building solidarity in Tanzania and Uganda.
The council has inspired hundreds of young women to step into leadership and reclaim their cultural identity with pride.
The 10-year journey was described as one of love, resilience, and pride as indigenous women continue breaking barriers and reclaiming their spaces.
Present at the event is National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC) Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa, National Land Commission CEO Kabale Tache, Anti-FGM Board CEO Bernadette Loloju, NLC Commissioner Tiya Galgalo, Minorities and Marginalized Unit Secretary Josphat Lowoi among other dignitaries.
