Engaging Maasai Men as Champions of Gender Equality and Adolescent Well-being
Changing the mind sets of the Maasai Men during a shared meal of goat meat!!
ADS South Rift, through the We World Pamoja Tudumishe Elimu and the Imarisha Msichana, Afya na Rasilmali Projects, has been conducting a series of Men Engagement Forums across Narok County to promote positive masculinity, gender equality, and the protection of adolescent girls and young women. The forums have been targeting various wards in Narok North, Narok Central and Narok East, namely Oloropil, Olokurto, Oloroito, Oletukat, Olokuseroi, Olopito,Oloolntoto, Keekunyukie, Mosiro, Nkareta and Ildamat.
In many Maasai communities, deeply rooted cultural norms continue to influence decision-making within households and communities. Men are often the primarydecision-makers, while harmful practices such as child marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), school dropout among girls, and gender-based violence remain significant barriers to education and empowerment. Recognizing the influential role men play, the forums were designed to actively engage them as partners in driving positive social change.
In 2025, the forums brought together 953 men from across the 3 Sub Counties, creating safe spaces for dialogue on positive parenting, gender equality, prevention of FGM and child marriage, support for girls’ education, and men’srole in promoting healthy families and communities. During the forums, participants also reflect on harmful social norms and explore practical ways to champion the rights and well-being of women, girls, and adolescents.
The forums have often resulted in increased awareness of gender-transformativepractices, strengthened community commitment to ending harmful cultural practices, and enhanced collaboration between men, community leaders, and local stakeholders. By equipping men with knowledge and encouraging them to become advocates for change, the initiative is promoting more supportive environments where girls can remain in school, women can participate in decision-making, and families can thrive.
Through continued community engagement, ADS South Rift remains committed to working alongside men, women, and community leaders to build safer, more inclusive, and equitable communities across Narok County.
