Final Project & Reflection

Final Project Overview

For my research in this course, I have selected a focus on the role of gender dynamics on women’s empowerment in cultural Maasai communities. The inspiration for my chosen topic was from my work with the Sustainable and Resilient Tanzanian Community study abroad program in 2017. The goal of our work was to construct a water pump, purification, and distribution facility in a four sub-village complex in rural Tanzania. Most members of the Marwa community were of the cultural Maasai tribe: a traditional pastoralist and nomadic tribe of people who are revered as having some of the strictest gender dynamics in all of Sub-Saharan Africa.

The goal of the project was to construct the facilities; however, my work specifically was with the Women’s Education and Enterprise project team. Our team’s focus was to work specifically with the women and children of the four sub-villages to ensure that their development needs were progressing alongside the development of the water project. While in-country, I was immersed in this dynamic culture and experienced the strict gender roles that play an important role in the development of the community. I wanted to further explore the gender dynamics within cultural Maasai communities and the role that it plays in women’s empowerment.

Final Project Reflection

Altogether, Maasai women have suffered from social oppression due to cultural norms and traditions for far too long. Insistent deprivation of access to education and economic opportunities has marginalized Maasai women to be among the most impoverished in East Africa. A model of development that is both transformative and emphasizes basic needs is closely coupled with women’s empowerment as it approaches development by showcasing opportunities and allowing women to empower themselves. Case studies have shown that resources from NGOs have allowed young Maasai women to empower themselves through increased education opportunities. Additionally, development models have shown that the personal development of Maasai women will only lead to further political, economic, and social developments for the community as a whole.

Global Option Final Reflection/Accomplishments

Overall, I am happy to have completed the Global Option in the College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences. The course gave me the ability and forum to showcase all of my international experiences that have built upon my education throughout my time at Ohio State.