Celebrating International Women’s Day

We celebrated International Women’s Day with a group of Kisongora women we are working with in the foothills of the Rwenzori Mountains, just north of Queen Elizabeth National Park.  Since this community is situated between two national parks, it is important from a wildlife conservation perspective to work with them.

Following a similar approach and philosophy that we took with Leopard Village, we are working with the women, many of them widows, on livelihood development.  The initial focus is involving them in the region’s tourism. 

We have had several workshops with them on handicraft development.  We thank the Mweya Safari Lodge for purchasing some of the crafts to sell in their gift shop, which shows their strong support of local community development. 

In addition, the women have built a traditional Kisongora hut and are prepared to show visitors about their pastoral lives.  We have brought a few small groups of tourists there, and they have really enjoyed the experience. 

The view from their community into Queen Elizabeth is really beautiful.  The women are motivated, very polite, warmly welcoming and enthusiastic about the opportunities these new ventures can bring to their community. 

We are also very enthusiastic about working with them!