The Power of Women to Nurture and Lead: Celebrating International Women’s Month
Since 2021, the Milk to Market Program has transformed lives, livelihoods, and landscapes through one profound connection: milk. Reteti Elephant Sanctuary
Reteti Keeper Mary Lengees feeds a newly rescued orphan ©kathykarn
During COVID a lack of reliable access to costly imported powdered milk for orphaned elephants at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary prompted co-founder Katie Rowe to turn to local Samburu women’s surplus goat milk for help. Could goat milk be a solution for the elephants’ need for bottle feeding every three hours 24/7? The answer was a resounding YES! Reteti adapted its formula using goat milk and reported 100% success rate with calves under six months, historically the most vulnerable age group of orphans. From a single village pilot project, the Milk to Market program, now encompasses 21 villages.
Poster in the formula making kitchen at Reteti ©kathykarn
The shift to local goat milk dramatically cut Reteti’s spending on imported milk, saving thousands of dollars per month, keeping that money within the local community and shrinking the carbon footprint tied to shipping.
Samburu Mamas ©kathykarn
Through the sale of that milk, women are earning steady incomes, opening bank accounts for the first time, and building the financial stability to invest in their children's schooling and healthcare. And the impact ripples further – with milk income tied to healthy herds and thriving landscapes, the Milk Mamas are championing the sustainable grazing practices that give this landscape the chance to recover. They give, and everyone gains. www.reteti .org
This year The Sarara Foundation launched their International Women's Day campaign celebrating five years of the Milk to Market Program: www.reteti.org/international-womens-day
Feeding time at Reteti ©kathykarn
The Milk to Market Program is transforming the lives of Samburu women in Northern Kenya
1,245 Samburu women earned over US$341,000 supplying milk to Reteti — many opening bank accounts for the very first time
That income is flowing directly into healthy food, clothing for their children, and household stability
505 mothers attended The Sarara Foundation’s mobile health clinics, with antenatal care attendance rising year on year
200 children are enrolled in our Nomadic Montessori schools, with a 50/50 gender split we're incredibly proud of
Nomadic Montessori School ©kathykarn
Reteti, is the first Indigenous community-owned African elephant sanctuary to hire women keepers. These women are role models for girls in a traditionally patriarchal culture. The Milk Mamas are adding to the growing circle of empowered Samburu women. Employment and financial independence are transforming lives and expanding opportunities for girls and women.
Learners at Nomadic Montessori School ©kathykarn
Inspired by this story? You can support these women with an online donation here. This year’s campaign will fund much-need upgrades to the Milk to Market infrastructure, including additional pasteurizers and cooling systems to a larger fleet of motorbikes to transport milk safely to Reteti. Every contribution reinforces women-led livelihoods, protects wildlife, and sustains healthy rangelands.
Pasteurizing equipment at Reteti in 2024 ©kathykarn
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