Amara was 15 when her family married her off to a stranger twice her age. It wasn’t tradition that sealed her fate. It was drought. In Narok County’s arid plains, where the worst drought in 40 years has devastated pastoral communities, her family’s animals died within months. With no goats, no camels, no means of survival, they made a calculation: three camels and two goats in bride price, or watch their children starve. It wasn’t a choice. It was arithmetic born of environmental collapse. Today, Amara is one of thousands of girls in Kenya’s northern regions whose childhoods were traded for survival. Her story represents a pattern we see across Narok—cases where climate catastrophe doesn’t just cause droughts. It weaponizes gender inequality and turns girls into economic survival tools. Amara’s story is composite, drawn from documented cases and patterns reported by aid organizations, health workers, and girls themselves across many pastoral communities in Kenya. When Drought Becomes a Gender Crisis We don’t often talk about climate change in terms of gender. But in Narok, the connection is impossible to ignore. For firsthand reporting on this crisis, watch this powerful documentary on how climate collapse is driving gender-based violence in pastoral Kenya: 📹 Watch: Climate Crisis and Gender Violence in Kenya Climate change is not a neutral force. It hits hardest those who have the least power to protect themselves. In pastoral communities, that means girls and women. The Four Ways Climate Crisis Becomes a Gender Crisis 1. The Bride Price Economy Activates During Drought When livestock die and fields dry up, families face an impossible choice: watch their children starve, or secure immediate resources. Child marriage becomes a financial transaction. In communities experiencing 9+ months of no rain, child marriage rates spike dramatically. Girls are exchanged not because of culture, but because of desperation. They become survival currency. 2. Water Collection Becomes a Gauntlet Girls walk 8.6 to 17.6 kilometers daily to collect water—38 percent more than the three-year average. On these solitary journeys through remote, sparse landscape, they are completely defenseless. Sexual predators know girls will come alone. They wait. We have documented cases of serial rape during water collection journeys. The perpetrators disappear into the desert, facing no consequences. For detailed reporting on this crisis, read: Al Jazeera: “In Kenya, girls are sold into marriage to stave off starvation from drought” 3. School Becomes a Luxury Girls Can’t Afford When a girl must walk 8.6 kilometers for water each day, school becomes impossible. Period poverty compounds the crisis—without sanitary pads, many girls won’t attend school during menstruation. When drought hits, water collection takes priority. Girls drop out. Education becomes a privilege reserved for communities with water security. 4. Malnutrition and Health Collapse Hit Girls Last and Hardest Women and girls typically eat last in pastoral communities. During drought, this means they often don’t eat at all. Malnutrition weakens their bodies and their ability to resist disease, pregnancy complications, and sexual violence. Their health becomes collateral damage in the fight for family survival. “The last drought took all of our animals. My youngest son became very sick from malnutrition. I was so worried that he would die. It made us much poorer, and now we are in another one which looks like it could be even worse.” How Tree for Girls Project works At Tareto Africa, we were already working on sexual and reproductive health and rights with girls in Narok. We were teaching about gender-based violence, harmful practices, and bodily autonomy. But we kept hitting the same wall: girls couldn’t prioritize their rights when their survival was threatened. A girl can’t focus on education when she’s walking 8.6 kilometers for water. She can’t resist marriage when her family is starving. She can’t report sexual assault when she’s afraid her report will bring shame to a family already on the brink. We realized: we couldn’t fight gender inequality without fighting the environmental collapse that weaponized it. That’s when Trees for Girls was born. Trees for Girls: An Integrated Approach Trees for Girls isn’t just about planting trees. It’s about linking three interconnected crises and tackling them simultaneously. Pillar 1: Environmental Conservation Girls aren’t passive observers of environmental collapse—they’re agents of restoration. Through the program, girls plant trees, practice agroforestry, and implement water conservation techniques. They restore vegetative cover, combat soil erosion, and build long-term community resilience. But here’s what matters most: girls see themselves as environmental leaders, not victims of environmental disaster. They understand that the droughts that threaten their futures aren’t inevitable. They’re consequences of deforestation and environmental degradation that can be reversed through collective action. Pillar 2: SRHR Education and Climate Awareness Comprehensive sexuality education isn’t enough if girls don’t understand why harmful practices intensify during climate stress. So we teach the connection explicitly. When a girl learns that child marriage spikes during drought, she stops seeing it as cultural tradition and recognizes it as a preventable consequence of environmental collapse. When she understands that sexual violence increases because girls walk farther for water, she becomes an advocate for water security as a feminist issue. Knowledge becomes power. Understanding the “why” transforms girls from passive victims into active advocates. Pillar 3: Menstrual Health and Economic Empowerment We distribute reusable sanitary pads and train girls to produce them. This addresses immediate period poverty—keeping girls in school—while building economic skills that create an alternative to the bride-price economy. When a girl can earn income through pad production, her family doesn’t need to marry her off to survive. When she can afford pads, she stays in school. When she’s in school, she builds the education and confidence to imagine futures beyond early marriage. What We’ve Built So Far 2,459+ Girls Reached 5 Partner Schools 100k+ Trees Goal Our Partner Schools: Where the Movement Grows Trees for Girls is active in five anchor schools across Narok County, each one becoming a hub of environmental leadership and gender advocacy: 🌱 Nkoilale Primary School Home to one of our most active T4G clubs, where girls are leading tree-planting
What you need to know about Tareto Africa’s Fight Against Harmful Cultural Practices
In the heart of Narok County, Kenya, Tareto Africa stands as a beacon of hope and change, leading the charge against harmful practices that have plagued communities for generations. From Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) to child marriages and Gender-Based Violence (GBV), these practices have inflicted deep wounds on individuals and societies, perpetuating cycles of inequality and injustice. However, Tareto Africa is unwavering in its commitment to undoing the harms caused by these practices and creating a future where all individuals can thrive free from violence and discrimination. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) FGM, a harmful practice deeply rooted in cultural beliefs, has devastating consequences for girls and women. It not only poses immediate health risks, such as severe pain, infections, and even death but also leads to long-term physical and psychological trauma. Tareto Africa recognizes the gravity of this issue and has been at the forefront of advocacy and awareness campaigns to end FGM. Through education, community engagement, and support for survivors, Tareto Africa is dismantling the harmful norms that perpetuate this practice, empowering girls to reclaim their bodies and futures. Child Marriages Child marriages rob young girls of their childhood, education, and autonomy, exposing them to increased risks of domestic violence, early pregnancies, and limited opportunities for personal and professional growth. Tareto Africa is dedicated to eradicating this harmful practice by advocating for legal reforms, providing support services for at-risk girls, and promoting education as a pathway to empowerment. By raising awareness about the detrimental effects of child marriages and offering alternative pathways for girls, Tareto Africa is breaking the cycle of intergenerational harm and creating a safer environment for young girls to thrive. Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Gender-Based Violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, inflicts profound harm on individuals and communities, perpetuating cycles of fear, trauma, and inequality. Tareto Africa recognizes the urgent need to address GBV and has implemented comprehensive programs to support survivors, raise awareness about the root causes of violence, and advocate for policy changes that protect vulnerable individuals. By providing safe spaces, counseling services, and legal support, Tareto Africa is working to create a society where all individuals can live free from violence and discrimination. What Tareto Africa Dies Tareto Africa’s efforts to combat harmful practices have yielded tangible results, transforming the lives of countless individuals in Narok County and beyond. Through grassroots campaigns, educational programs, and community partnerships, The Community Based Organisation has rescued girls from FGM, provided support for survivors of child marriages, and empowered individuals to speak out against GBV. By amplifying the voices of survivors, challenging harmful norms, and advocating for systemic change, Tareto Africa is undoing the harms caused by these practices and paving the way for a more just and equitable society. In conclusion Tareto Africa’s unwavering commitment to advocating against harmful practices such as FGM, child marriages, and GBV is a testament to the organization’s dedication to creating a safer and more inclusive world for all. Through education, empowerment, and advocacy, Tareto Africa is undoing the harms caused by these practices, empowering individuals to reclaim their rights and dignity, and building a future where every individual can live free from violence and discrimination.
Keeping More Girls in School: Tareto Africa’s Menstrual Hygiene Initiative in Narok County
In the rural communities of Narok County, Kenya, many girls face significant barriers to accessing quality education. One of the primary challenges they encounter is the lack of access to menstrual hygiene products, which often leads to school absenteeism and, in some cases, the abandonment of their education altogether. Recognizing the critical importance of keeping girls in school, Tareto Africa has launched a comprehensive initiative to address this issue and empower young women to reach their full potential. Â The Challenges Across Narok County, the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation have created a culture where many girls are unable to manage their periods with dignity and confidence. Without access to affordable and reliable menstrual hygiene products, these young women are often forced to miss school during their menstrual cycles, falling behind in their studies and risking their educational attainment. Furthermore, the lack of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education compounds the problem, leaving girls and their families without the necessary knowledge to manage menstruation effectively. This lack of information and resources not only impacts girls’ education but also their overall health and well-being. Tareto Africa’s Approach Tareto Africa’s menstrual hygiene initiative in Narok County is a multifaceted approach aimed at addressing the root causes of this challenge and empowering girls to stay in school. The organization’s key focus areas include: Empowering Girls, Transforming Communities By addressing the menstrual hygiene needs of girls in Narok County, Tareto Africa is not only improving their educational outcomes but also empowering them to become agents of change within their communities. As girls are able to attend school consistently, they can focus on their studies, participate in extracurricular activities, and unlock new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Moreover, the organization’s holistic approach, which combines product distribution with comprehensive education, helps to challenge the stigma and misconceptions surrounding menstruation. This, in turn, fosters a more supportive and inclusive environment for girls, enabling them to thrive and reach their full potential. Scaling Impact, Inspiring Change Tareto Africa’s menstrual hygiene initiative in Narok County has already made a significant impact, with thousands of girls benefiting from the organization’s efforts. As the program continues to grow, Tareto Africa is committed to scaling its reach and inspiring other organizations to adopt similar approaches, creating a ripple effect of change that empowers girls and transforms communities across Kenya. Join us in our mission to keep girls in school and empower the next generation of leaders. Together, we can break down the barriers to education and create a more equitable future for all.
Tareto Africa’s “Trees for Girls” Program
In the heart of Narok County, amidst the sprawling landscapes of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid regions, Tareto Africa is sowing the seeds of empowerment and environmental stewardship through the “Trees for Girls” initiative. This groundbreaking program nurtures not only the growth of trees but also the growth of a brighter future for girls and young women, blending education, environmental conservation, and community resilience into a powerful force for change. Nurturing Empowerment and Education At Tareto Africa, we deeply understand the transformative power of education and environmental awareness in shaping a sustainable future. The “Trees for Girls” program embodies our commitment to empowering girls through hands-on environmental activities, fostering a deep connection to nature while equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for a brighter tomorrow. Empowerment, for us, goes beyond just providing resources. It’s about instilling a sense of agency and capability within these young girls. By involving them in tree-planting campaigns and sustainable farming practices, we not only contribute to the preservation of the ecosystem but also nurture a generation of environmental stewards who understand their role in safeguarding the planet for future generations. Planting Seeds of Change Through our experiential learning approach, participants in the “Trees for Girls” program engage in meaningful environmental conservation efforts. The act of planting a tree becomes a symbol of hope and renewal, but it also serves as a catalyst for broader change. As these girls witness the impact of their actions firsthand, they develop a sense of ownership and responsibility towards their environment, paving the way for sustainable practices that extend far beyond the boundaries of our program. In addition to tree-planting, our program emphasizes sustainable farming practices that not only ensure food security but also promote environmental sustainability. By teaching techniques such as water conservation, organic farming, and agroforestry, we empower girls to become agents of change in their communities, addressing not just immediate needs but also long-term challenges posed by climate change and environmental degradation. Blossoming Opportunities for Growth But our commitment to empowerment doesn’t stop at environmental activities. We understand the interconnectedness of education and personal development, which is why the “Trees for Girls” program also provides educational scholarships and mentorship opportunities. These initiatives not only unlock doors to quality education but also nurture the academic and personal growth of girls and young women, equipping them with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Through mentorship, we provide guidance and support to help girls navigate the challenges they may face, whether it’s pursuing higher education, starting a business, or becoming community leaders. By investing in their potential, we are not just changing individual lives but also building a foundation for sustainable development that benefits entire communities. Rooted in Community Resilience The impact of the “Trees for Girls” program extends far beyond individual empowerment. By actively engaging the broader community in environmental initiatives, Tareto Africa fosters a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility for the well-being of both people and the planet. Through community workshops, outreach programs, and partnerships with local organizations, we create a network of support that strengthens community resilience and unity in the face of environmental challenges. Our approach is rooted in the belief that sustainable change can only occur when communities are actively involved in the process. By empowering girls to take the lead in environmental conservation efforts, we not only amplify their voices but also create a ripple effect that inspires others to join the cause. Scaling Impact, Inspiring Change As the “Trees for Girls” program continues to flourish, Tareto Africa is dedicated to scaling its impact and inspiring others to embrace similar initiatives. By showcasing the transformative potential of this program, we aim to spark a movement of environmental conservation and girls’ empowerment that transcends borders and creates a ripple effect of positive change. Through strategic partnerships, advocacy efforts, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, we aim to expand our reach and empower even more girls to become leaders in environmental stewardship. Together, we can cultivate a future where education, environmental stewardship, and community resilience converge to create a sustainable and thriving society for all. Join Us in Our Mission Join us in our mission to cultivate change, empower girls, and protect the environment. Together, we can nurture a future where every girl has the opportunity to thrive, where every tree planted is a symbol of hope, and where communities are resilient in the face of environmental challenges. Together, we can make a difference
A Journey of Maasai Community Empowerment: Reflections from Leshan Kereto
Learn Leshan Kereto’s reflections on the journey of Tareto Africa, highlighting the challenges faced, the impact achieved, and the aspirations for the futureÂ