About Us
Learn about our journey, mission, and the dedicated team working to empower rural women in Kenya.
Our Story
Established in 2010 and officially registered in 2011, the Rural Women Network (RWN) is a grassroots, women-led organization committed to empowering rural women and girls in Kenya.
RWN fosters economic resilience, climate adaptation, and gender equality, amplifying the voices of grassroots women—including smallholder agricultural producers, Indigenous women, widows, the elderly, and community health promoters.
Operating in marginalized and arid/semi-arid regions, RWN works in Kajiado, Nakuru and Kiambu counties, addressing systemic challenges like food insecurity, malnutrition, economic marginalization, and cultural barriers including gender-based violence, under-age marriage, female genital mutilation and inequitable land rights.
Through community-driven solutions, the network enhances women's capacity to participate in decision-making, influence policies, and build sustainable livelihoods via climate-smart agriculture, cooperative societies, enterprise development, and advocacy.
Today, we proudly serve over 5,000+ rural women across 3 counties in Kenya, providing them with the knowledge, tools, and support they need to achieve food security, economic independence, and sustainable livelihoods.
Our Mission
To build the capacity of rural grassroots women on Climate Smart and Conservation Agriculture, mitigate food, nutrition, and economic insecurity, and enhance livelihoods. We seek to address sustainable production in the face of climate change.
Our Vision
A distinguished network positioning rural women and girls as equal citizens in the economic, political, and social sustainable development of their communities.
Our Values
- Inclusivity
- Integrity
- Accountability
- Equality
- Teamwork
- Professionalism
Project Implementation Committee
Meet the dedicated leaders driving our mission forward
Pauline Kariuki
Executive Director
Awards & Recognition
Honors received for our commitment to rural women’s empowerment
End FGM Campaign
2025
In recognition of your contribution to the End FGM Campaign in Kajiado County
SDG 6 - Clean Water & Sanitation
2023
In recognition for outstanding contribution on SDGs implementation under 'SDG 6 - Clean Water and Sanitation
Our Journey
Key milestones in our mission to transform rural communities
Established in 2010 as the Rural Women Initiative and officially registered in 2011, with the vision of empowering grassroots rural women through sustainable agriculture and economic development. The organisation was renamed the Rural Women Network in 2020.
2010Carried out a climate change vulnerability baseline survey in Ewuaso Kendong in Kajiado West, Kajiado county to assess the level of vulnerability and interventions required by indigenous Maasai women. The survey revealed that house construction time increased from 2 weeks to 2 months due to climate change impact on vegetation.
2022Established 3 Livelihood Learning Centres in Ewuaso Kendong, Keekonyokie and Ilondokilani wards. Communities learn various climate smart and conservation agriculture practices found in these centres and replicate at the household level.
2023Registered 3 multipurpose cooperatives in Ewuaso Kendong, Keekonyokie and Ilondokilani wards to market agricultural products. The groups have also received solar vegetable dehydrating equipment to preserve vegetables when there is a glut.
2023Facilitated the agriculture department to develop the African Leaf Vegetables development strategy 2025-2030 for Kajiado County. Created training manuals to enable TOTs (Trainers of Trainers) to disseminate knowledge across communities.
2024
Our Partners
Working together to create lasting impact
Oxfam Novib
donor
County Government of Kajiado
government
Huairou Commission
ngo
Join Our Mission
Be part of the transformation. Support our work in empowering rural women across Kenya.