Changing Norms Means Kenya’s Traditional Female Roofers Face Job Losses

IN FILE - A group of activist demostrating against unemployment in Nairobi, Kenya on October 9, 2019. Women house builders in Africa are facing a dim future, as modern designs take a lead, leaving numerous women builders without a stable stream of income. SIMON MAINA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

NAIROBI, Kenya — Among the Kenyan pastoralist communities, women are traditionally tasked with the responsibility of building family homes this is a role that in other Kenyan communities is reserved for men who are family heads.

The unique tradition of female home builders has for long enabled women to become contributors to the economic wellbeing of their families.