Maa Beadwork

Maa Beadwork is a social enterprise established by The Maa Trust as a sustainable alternative livelihood to generate income for Maasai women and their families. Beading is a tribal art and talent of Maasai women, who have been famed for their adornment for centuries.

Women’s Empowerment, Gender Equality & Social Change

Maa Beadwork is one of The Maa Trust’s longest-running social enterprises, engaging 468 women artisans from 17 different communities in the Maasai Mara. What begins as intricate beadwork quickly becomes a powerful tool for economic empowerment, gender equality, and social transformation.

Learn more and shop online at www.maabeadwork.org.

Each woman supports an average of 19.5 individuals per household, meaning the enterprise indirectly benefits more than 9,126 community members, creating ripple effects of resilience and opportunity across the Mara. The heart of Maa Beadwork lies not only in income generation but also in shifting social dynamics within a deeply patriarchal society.

Take the story of Naisuyiasui Dorop, a beadwork artisan from the Ng’amuriak women’s group, whose journey reflects the strength of the project. Despite being physically challenged, she has flourished within Maa Beadwork, gaining confidence, purpose, and financial stability. Even more inspiring is the support of her husband, who ensures she attends training and submits her work on time — a powerful shift in a culture where women’s rights are often undervalued. Stories like hers demonstrate how beadwork is not only creating livelihoods but also reshaping gender roles and sparking new respect for women in their households and communities.

Financial Sustainability & Growth

In 2024, Maa Beadwork reached an important milestone by achieving a true break-even point for the first time, covering all operational costs while generating income. The enterprise’s net income grew by 18% from KES 14,482,855 in 2023 to KES 17,762,537 in 2024, marking significant financial sustainability.

The flagship Maa Beadwork shop at The Maa Trust HQ played a central role, contributing 43% of all sales in 2024. This growth has been driven by enhanced marketing both within the Mara and beyond, alongside improvements in quality standards and internal processes.

Conservation & Community Impact

Beyond the numbers, Maa Beadwork strengthens the link between sustainable livelihoods and conservation. By providing an alternative source of income that is environmentally sustainable, the initiative reduces pressure on natural resources, allowing communities to benefit from conservation rather than exploit the land.

Guests visiting The Maa Trust headquarters can meet the artisans, purchase their unique products, and even try beading themselves, connecting directly with the women whose skills sustain families and protect the Mara’s ecosystem. Maa Beadwork stands as a model of how social enterprises can simultaneously foster economic growth, women’s empowerment, and conservation — transforming the lives of thousands while preserving one of the world’s most treasured landscapes.