From Struggle to Strength: The Story of Paran Women Group

In the drylands of Narok County, Kenya, life has always been shaped by harsh realities — unpredictable rains, shrinking harvests, and the growing impact of climate change. For women, these challenges have been compounded by limited economic opportunities, gender-based violence, and the responsibility of keeping their families fed. 

In 2005, a group of women decided to change this reality. Led by Nayan Kiplagat, they came together to form the Paran Women Group — an Indigenous women’s organization bringing together members of the Maasai and Ogiek communities. Today, Paran has grown into a powerful network of 64 women’s groups with 3,816 members, and recently welcomed youth to ensure sustainability for generations to come. 

“We used to have trouble with money to run the home. Now we have enough from our own projects to buy sugar, salt, and support our families,” says Nayan Kiplagat, Founder and Director of Paran Women Group. 

Building Resilience in the Drylands

Narok County is one of Kenya’s driest regions, where food and nutrition security is a daily struggle. Forest destruction and charcoal burning have further degraded the land, leaving communities vulnerable to hunger and poverty. Paran Women Group has made it their mission to restore the land and secure livelihoods through: 

• Agroforestry and sustainable agriculture
• Beekeeping
• Indigenous tree nurseries
• Women’s empowerment and leadership development
• Community resource centers

With 11 board members, including representatives for women with disabilities and resource mobilization, Paran ensures inclusivity and diverse leadership in decision-making.

Impact Beyond Households

Through their projects, members of Paran Women Group are earning an income, sending children to school, and ensuring families have enough to eat. The group’s initiatives are also restoring degraded land, contributing to climate resilience in Narok. 

But their impact goes beyond their own households. Women like Kingasunye Naiguta, Board Member and Disability Representative, and Noolarami Gimorko, Board Member in charge of Resource Centers, are helping to spread knowledge to others in the community. By sharing skills in agroforestry, indigenous seed saving, and climate-smart farming, Paran is inspiring more families to join the movement. 

A Vision for the Future

For Paran Women Group, this is only the beginning. Their dream is to expand their projects and resource centers, empower more women and youth, and continue restoring the environment for future generations. 

Their journey is a testament to resilience, unity, and the power of women to transform not just their homes, but entire communities.