CSO Network is proud to spotlight Rosemary Cheptai, a grassroots woman leader and beneficiary of a CSO Network–supported project, whose inspiring journey has been featured in the Daily Nation. Rosemary has made history as the only woman accepted into the Sabaot Supreme Council of Elders, a space traditionally reserved for men, where key decisions on culture, leadership, and peace are made.
Rosemary is a beneficiary of a project titled Advancing Women’s Leadership for Sustainable Peace and Inclusive Governance, implemented by UN Women with funding from Irish Aid. The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), CSO Network, and Echo Network Africa Foundation. Through this initiative, women have been supported to meaningfully participate in leadership and peace-building processes at the community level.
Her inclusion marks a significant milestone in advancing women’s leadership and participation in peace-building in Mt Elgon. Through sustained community engagement, capacity building, and support to grassroots women, the project has enabled women not only to claim leadership spaces but also to actively contribute to conflict prevention and community cohesion.
Speaking on the project’s impact, Betty Okero, CSO Network Team Leader, emphasized the growing role of women in peace and security:
“The project has given grassroots women a voice in leadership and peace-building. We now have many more women interested in leadership positions. We also have a high number of women acting as peace actors involved in early warning of conflict, which has played a great role in ensuring peace and security in the county.”
Rosemary’s story reflects the broader impact of CSO Network’s work — empowering grassroots women as leaders, peace actors, and agents of change within their communities. Her courage continues to inspire other women to step forward, challenge harmful norms, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive and sustainable peace.
Read more here: https://nation.africa/kenya/news/gender/mt-elgon-s-lone-woman-elder-how-rosemary-cheptai-won-space-in-a-male-fortress-5292426
