Solio Women's Empowerment Project
Introduction
At Solio, conservation goes hand in hand with community. The Solio Women’s Empowerment Project was created to provide opportunities for women from the surrounding areas to learn new skills, earn an income, and build confidence in a supportive environment. What began as a small initiative has grown into a thriving program that uplifts families, strengthens local livelihoods, and promotes sustainability through creativity and collaboration. Each woman’s journey reflects courage, hope, and the belief that empowerment can create lasting change — for people, wildlife, and the planet.
Empowerment Through Creativity
Each Solio project combines craftsmanship, sustainability, and purpose — empowering women while celebrating the spirit of conservation.
Washable Sanitary Pad Kits
One of the core initiatives of the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project is the production of washable sanitary pad kits. These reusable kits provide a simple, sustainable solution to a challenge faced by many girls and women in the surrounding communities — access to affordable menstrual products. By making and donating these kits, the Solio women help ensure that girls no longer have to miss school during their monthly cycles and that women can manage their hygiene with dignity. Each kit is carefully handmade, durable, and environmentally friendly, offering long-term relief and empowerment. Beyond meeting a basic need, this project also opens meaningful conversations around women’s health and education, fostering confidence and equality across generations.
Paper Making
In this innovative and eco-friendly project, the women of Solio transform recycled materials — including discarded rhino feed boxes, office waste, and even rhino dung — into beautiful, handmade paper. This unique process not only reduces waste but also connects each creation to the conservation story of Solio. The paper is used to craft greeting cards, packaging, and labels for other Solio products, giving each item a distinctive and sustainable touch. Through paper making, the women learn valuable production skills, embrace creativity, and play a direct role in supporting environmental stewardship.
Beaded Bracelets
The Solio branded beaded bracelets are a vibrant expression of community, craftsmanship, and pride. Each bracelet is meticulously hand-beaded by the women, using simple yet beautiful designs that reflect care and creativity. The bracelets carry the Solio name as a symbol of strength and connection — a reminder of the powerful link between conservation, empowerment, and purpose. Every purchase supports the women who make them, helping to sustain their families and the broader Solio community.
Crochet Rhinos
Inspired by Solio’s rich conservation legacy, the women craft charming crochet rhinos — each one unique, full of character, and made with care. These rhinos celebrate the species that Solio works tirelessly to protect while providing the women with a creative and rewarding source of income. Visitors love them as meaningful keepsakes that carry both a story and a purpose. Like all Solio
products, proceeds from the crochet rhinos go directly back into the Women’s Empowerment Project, continuing the cycle of support and growth.
Supporting Sustainability
All products made by the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project are sold at the Solio Rhino Orphanage and to guests visiting Solio Conservancy. Every purchase contributes directly to the women’s livelihoods, enabling them to build skills, confidence, and financial independence while
promoting conservation and sustainability.
Meet the Women of Solio
The Solio Women’s Empowerment Project brings together a group of remarkable women from surrounding communities, each with her own story of resilience, growth, and determination.
Through skills training, mentorship, and the opportunity to earn an income, the project aims to create lasting change by fostering independence and confidence. These inspiring women are not only supporting their families but also shaping a stronger, more connected community.
Meet some of the incredible women whose dedication and spirit lie at the heart of Solio:
Leah Muthoni
Born in Embu County, Leah is a proud mother of three—two sons and a daughter. After being widowed when her children were just 18, 12, and 5 months old, she has shown remarkable strength and dedication in raising them single-handedly. Leah is deeply passionate about her work at Solio and grateful for the opportunity to gain valuable skills that will benefit her for a lifetime.
The income she earns allows her to support her family, and she takes great pride in being part of a project that uplifts and empowers women like herself.
Anne Wanjiru
Anne, from Nyeri County, is a devoted mother of five and grandmother of one. After losing her husband four years ago, she has continued to work tirelessly to care for her family. When Anne joined Solio, she had no formal skills, but through the program, she has found peace, purpose, and a sense of belonging. She treasures the harmony of life at Solio and is eager to keep learning and developing new skills that will strengthen her independence and brighten her family’s future.
Agnes Kadogo
Agnes, from Laikipia County, is a loving mother of two young children whom she raises on her own. When she joined Solio, she had no prior training, but she embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Agnes is determined to continue building her skills so she can create a better life for her children. She values the supportive environment at Solio, where women encourage and inspire each other every day.
Susan Muthoni
Hailing from Murang’a County, Susan is a mother of two young children, whom she lovingly raises with her husband. She joined Solio already skilled in sewing and is proud to share her knowledge with others in the group. Susan is equally thankful for the new techniques and insights she continues to gain through the project. She loves the peaceful, uplifting atmosphere at Solio and takes pride in every piece she creates, knowing that her work represents both craftsmanship and empowerment.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Every item crafted by the Solio women carries a story of resilience, creativity, and hope. By supporting the Solio Women’s Empowerment Project — through purchasing a product, sharing our story, or visiting the Solio Rhino Orphanage
— you play a part in helping these women build brighter futures for themselves, their families, and their communities. Together, we’re creating lasting change, one handmade piece at a time.