Ever thought of a world or an ecosystem without men? When we talk about violence against women like domestic violence and sexual abuse, many of us think of it at least once, completely acknowledging the fact that this is naturally impossible. Well, to your surprise there’s a piece of land on this Earth where women truly rule.
The land of women
Women rule on this land, and it’s not a super-developed urban city but a village in Kenya known as Umoja, located near Samburu County, around 240 miles from Nairobi. This village is said to have been founded by Rebecca Lolosoli, a Samburu woman, and is the abode of a number of women who are homeless survivors of violence.
The foundation of Umoja
As per Reuters’ report, this village was formed by Rebecca and 15 other women who were brutally raped by British soldiers. Umoja has opened its doors for all such strong ladies who dare to raise their voices against violence and get out of an ecosystem that allows their rape, sexual abuse, or genital mutilation.
Rebecca was assaulted for raising her voice against violence and making women aware of the fact that they should oppose patriarchal oppression. She planned to have a women-only village when she was hospitalized after the assault.
Life of Samburu women
Samburu women were always considered subordinate to their male counterparts. They had no right to possess land or other property, rather they were considered their partner’s property and had no say in society.
This is what ignited the idea of Umoja village, a soil where women may live freely. Where they are no more subordinates but the ones who make rules of the village and decisions at their homes.
No entry for men
Living freely against the oppressive Samburu community was possible only if women lived alone and this was the big decision a dozen strong women made in 1990. No men are allowed in Umoja village. The village that is home to rape survivors and other women has strict policies against men’s accommodation.
Women do basic work to make ends meet for themselves and their children. Some run campsites and allow tourists visit to Umoja village at a nominal fee. They also sell handmade products to them for their living.
As their son gets 18 years old, they are asked to go out of the village for earnings that go by the village rules. No male child beyond 18 is allowed in the village that is of women, for women and definitely by women.
