Isiolo County is one of the most marginalized regions in the country. It remains a stark reminder of how underdevelopment and environmental vulnerability go hand in hand as the county struggles with climate change-induced droughts, limited access to water, high poverty levels, and persistent gender inequality. Yet in this tough terrain, it is Isiolo’s women the mothers, daughters, caregivers, and peacebuilders who are quietly leading a grassroots revolution in community development.
For generations, women in Isiolo have shouldered the heaviest burdens during times of crisis. When drought strikes and rivers run dry, it is women who walk long distances to fetch water. When livestock die and food becomes scarce, it is women who skip meals to feed their children. When conflict erupts over pasture and water sources, women are the ones who remain behind, picking up the pieces and keeping families together.
But women in Isiolo are agents of change, and organizations like the Queen of Peace Initiative are proving that investing in women is one of the most powerful ways to create long-term, community-led development in northern Kenya.
The Women-Led Response to Drought and Climate Change in Isiolo
Isiolo County faces frequent and severe droughts that have decimated livelihoods, triggered food insecurity, and increased inter-community tensions. The effects of climate change are no longer predictions, they are a daily reality in Isiolo’s villages. Crops fail, boreholes dry up, and pastoralist families are forced to migrate in search of water and pasture.
Yet, while the natural environment grows harsher, women in Isiolo are embracing climate resilience. Through grassroots training and empowerment programs, many have begun adopting sustainable farming practices, tree planting, and water conservation techniques that are helping their communities adapt. Women are now at the forefront of climate action in Isiolo, restoring degraded land and reviving traditional knowledge that promotes environmental stewardship.
The Queen of Peace Initiative has been instrumental in supporting this transformation by equipping women with the tools and training to protect the environment while improving household income. Women are no longer passive observers of climate change they are becoming climate leaders.
The Role of Women in Promoting Peace and Social Cohesion
In Isiolo, conflict over natural resources, especially water and grazing land,has been a long-standing challenge. These tensions often escalate into violent clashes between ethnic communities. Traditionally, women have been excluded from peace negotiations and decision-making spaces. But today, that narrative is changing.
Women-led organizations, especially the Queen of Peace Initiative, are creating safe spaces for dialogue and reconciliation. QPI facilitates conversations that help rebuild trust and heal divisions by bringing together women from conflicting communities. These women are acting as peace ambassadors, mediating local disputes, promoting tolerance, and advocating for peaceful coexistence.
Women’s Economic Empowerment as The Backbone of Development
One of the most pressing development challenges in Isiolo is economic exclusion. Many families survive on less than a dollar a day. With limited access to formal employment, Isiolo’s women rely on informal businesses such as beadwork, small-scale agriculture, and tailoring to support their households. However, without training or access to markets, most of these efforts remain underdeveloped.
Recognizing this gap, the Queen of Peace Initiative supports women’s groups with entrepreneurship training, leadership trainings, awareness workshops, and savings and loan programs. These initiatives have empowered hundreds of women to start small businesses, build financial independence, and uplift their communities. When a woman in Isiolo earns an income, she reinvests it into her children’s education, healthcare, and nutrition, creating a ripple effect of positive change. The entire county stands to benefit when we empower women economically. Local economies grow, children go to school, and households become more resilient to shocks.
Building Leadership and Amplifying Women’s Voices
Despite the critical roles they play, women in Isiolo remain underrepresented in local leadership and governance. Few women hold decision-making positions, and cultural norms often discourage female participation in public life. This exclusion undermines development efforts and leads to policies that do not reflect the lived realities of women and girls. To address this, QPI is actively mentoring women leaders and advocating for gender inclusion in community governance. From school boards to county-level consultative forums, more women are stepping forward to lead and when women lead, communities thrive. They bring compassion, consensus-building, and a focus on education, health, and sustainability.
The Future of Isiolo Depends on Women
The future of Isiolo County depends on how well it harnesses the power and potential of its women. As the effects of climate change worsen and resources grow scarcer, it is women who will continue to hold their communities together. We can build a more resilient, and prosperous Isiolo by recognizing, supporting, and investing in women’s efforts..