‘This is a real look into our lives’: The Maasai women photographing their people
Two Maasai photographers, Claire Metito and Irene Naneu, document the increasing burden on pastoralist women in Kenya as the climate crisis intensifies their daily struggles. The women, including 69-year-old Pilale Rikoiyan and farmer Lenoi Mayiempe, face the harsh realities of prolonged drought and immense care work, which have become harder as climate change exacerbates poverty and resource scarcity. Despite these challenges, women in Maasai communities often lack control over resources like land, which remains in the hands of men. The photographers, who are part of a program by Lensational that trains women from underrepresented backgrounds, capture intimate glimpses into these women’s lives, emphasizing their resilience amidst adversity. They hope that their work will raise awareness about these struggles and advocate for solutions such as better infrastructure and social safety nets for women impacted by climate change.
