Baringo Women and Youth Organization - BWYO

30/03/2026

On Day 2 of our capacity building and sensitization forum, Ilchamus women gathered to do something that is both simple and profound: to speak their truth.
Women shared their lived experiences, examined the harmful social and cultural norms that affect their daily lives, and worked together to identify practical, community-driven solutions to gender-based violence.
Centering women's voices in this work is a necessity. Women are not just survivors of GBV but they are the most powerful agents of change in their own communities. When they are informed, supported, and heard, families heal, communities shift, and norms begin to change.

30/03/2026

On Day 1 of our two-day capacity building and sensitization forum, Ilchamus men came together in an open, honest space to engage with one of the most important conversations in their community: Gender Based Violence (GBV). This was not a space for judgment, but a space for reflection, learning, and growth.
The men listened, shared their experiences, and challenged each other to think deeply about the social and cultural norms that have long shaped their community. They explored how GBV affects not just women, but entire families and communities, and what role men must play in ending it. Because when men understand the harm, they don't just become bystanders, they become part of the solution.
Engaging men in GBV prevention is not just important, it is necessary. Lasting change cannot happen without the active participation of men as allies, fathers, brothers, and leaders. This is what community-led transformation looks like, and we are proud to be part of it.

21/02/2026

BWYO is honored to be part of the Jasiri Programme by the Collaborative Centre for Gender and Development.
The programme is set to support young women aged 16–35 who are most at risk or survivors of gender-based violence. The programme focuses on advancing gender economic empowerment and financial inclusion by addressing barriers that limit access to financial services, skills, and safe economic opportunities.
Anchored on three key pillars: Access to Inclusive Finance, Skilling of GBV Survivors, and Support to the Ecosystem, this initiative is creating pathways for young women to achieve economic independence, dignity, and resilience.
Through this partnership, BWYO is committed to ensuring that women and girls in Baringo are empowered, protected, and equipped to thrive.

11/02/2026

The ruling of the case No. ELCLPET/E001/2025 has spell doom to the right of Ilchamus to own and make a decision over their lives and resources!
BWYO is an advocacy voice organization for the right of marginalized communities in Baringo and we feel obliged to make this matter public!
The gazettment of Mukutani forest under gazette number 1470 of 3rd March 2016 was done at the request of the Ilchamus leadership after a wide consultative process. Due process was followed all the way to the point of gazettment. Records are there to prove (but the petitioners chose to misguide the Court by concealing some factual records to obtain a defective judgement). We are here to unearth this mischief.
The land where the forest sits is purely an ancestral land of the Ilchamus. The petitioner(s) are masqueraders who have no other interest but to deprive the ilchamus of their land, marginalized them as they always done, and finally intimidate them with threats of sacking their professionals employed by the national government.
The land where the forest sits was a hide out of cattle rustlers who have terrorized the communities over a decade, but since the gazettment, we have enjoyed relative peace and people have even gone back to their homes, thanks to His Excellency Dr William Ruto’s government.
Now the question we have is, the purported degazettment is meant to bring back insecurity or what is its ultimate purpose?
Ilchamus are in Baringo by default and no one community should feel superior and has a right to perpetually intimidate them.

06/02/2026

Today, we commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Ge***al Mutilation under the theme “Towards 2030: No end to female ge***al mutilation without sustained commitment and investment.”

At Baringo Women and Youth Organization, we stand with women, girls, communities, and partners in calling for collective action to end FGM. Ending this harmful practice requires continuous community engagement, strong leadership, adequate resources, and the protection of the rights, health, and dignity of girls and women.

23/01/2026

BWYO conducting a Community Biocultural Protocol engagement in the 3rd location- Salabani Location, bringing together women, men, youth, county actors, and community stakeholders to collectively discuss the preservation of indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, natural resources, and community rights. The dialogue reinforced inclusive participation and emphasized the importance of community-led governance in protecting culture, biodiversity, and sustainable livelihoods.

23/01/2026

BWYO engaging Ilchamus Location community in creation of their Community Biocultural Protocol, creating an inclusive space for women, men, youth, county representatives, and community stakeholders to reflect on the protection of indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, natural resources, and community rights. The engagement strengthened community ownership and elevated local voices in shaping governance frameworks that safeguard culture, biodiversity, and livelihoods.

19/01/2026

BWYO engaged community members from Ngambo Location in a critical step toward advancing the Community Biocultural Protocol, providing a platform for women, men, youth, county representatives, and community stakeholders to collectively reflect on the protection of indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage, natural resources, and community rights. The meeting strengthened community ownership, ensured inclusive participation, and reinforced the central role of local voices in shaping governance frameworks that safeguard culture, biodiversity, and livelihoods for present and future generations.

24/12/2025

As we approach this season and accompanying celebrations, we wish to convey our sincere wishes and happy moments of the season!
We long for another fruitful and productive year come 2026!
Happy Christmas and New year 2026

05/12/2025

As part of celebrating the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Baringo Women and Youth Organization (BWYO) proudly engaged with the Ilchamus community in Loitip Primary School, Logumgum, Mukutani Ward – Baringo County.

We held a powerful and educational session with Indigenous women and girls focusing on:
• The dangers of Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM)
• The effects of Early Child Marriages
• The importance of Menstrual Hygiene and Dignity

The women and girls were delighted to gain new knowledge and a deeper understanding of their bodies and the rights they have. It was truly inspiring to witness their confidence grow through dialogue and shared learning.

These conversations are critical in protecting the rights, health, and future of our girls. We are grateful to the women groups in attendance, school administration, and the rest of the participants for creating a safe and empowering space for learning.

Together, we raise informed, protected, and empowered Women and girls.
Together, we end violence.

18/11/2025

Wrap up

18/11/2025