Mama Simba: A New Journey For Samburu’s Women In Lion Conservation

The two main components of conservation work are restoration and advocacy. Women in Samburu are the cornerstone of the home. Under the banner “Bring the lions back home,” the women will work closely with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust team to carry out restoration activities in Westgate conservancy. This includes weekly work such as:

• Cutting down invasive species
• Planting grass
• Creating exclusion zones with invisible fences and other activities.

Under advocacy, women will hone their skills as the voices of lions in the community. They will:

• Hold monthly meetings with Mamas in Westgate villages
• Take women on safari to the Samburu National Reserve quarterly
• Play the conservation game developed by Ewaso Lions monthly

In July, Ewaso Lions teamed up with the Africa Educational Trust (AET) to come up with a more relevant literacy programme for both women and men. The programme draws on issues and concerns of daily Samburu life to make learning more practical and enjoyable.

With this new methodology, we now expect each Mama to attend class at least once a week, and now progress to intermediary and advanced level learning.

As a continued expression of their love for lions, the Mama Simba ladies will maintain and advance their famous beadwork skills. Although only a peripheral part of their programme, this work will hone their creativity and ability to produce quality craftsmanship.

The Mamas have long been known for their handiwork in making beaded lions. In 2018, they branched out, trying out beaded dog collars for the first time, which were sold at the WCN Expo.

We will endeavour to get them a more stable market for their products to help uplift them economically, while preserving their traditional way of life.

Contribute directly to conserving the lion landscape while inspiring other women in the conservancy to love wildlife

Use the new and relevant literacy received to write their own stories and participate courageously in society

Create marketable products to help uplift them economically while sharing their art and culture with the world