Agnes Pareyio

A Kenyan environmentalist and women's rights advocate who pioneered efforts to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and promote sustainable land management.

Agnes Pareyio (born 1964) is a visionary activist from the Maasai community in Kajiado County, Kenya. Her groundbreaking work began in the early 1990s when she courageously challenged deep-rooted cultural practices like FGM and early childhood marriages. Despite facing severe backlash from her community, she established the Maasai Women Development Organization to empower women through education and sustainable livelihood projects.

Pareyio's environmental advocacy includes pioneering reforestation initiatives and promoting eco-friendly practices among her community. She has successfully integrated conservation efforts with cultural preservation, demonstrating that environmental stewardship can coexist with traditional values. Her work has inspired global recognition, including the Green Hero Award from the Global 500 Roll of Honour.

Her leadership has directly prevented thousands of girls from undergoing FGM while establishing over 50 tree nurseries across Kajiado. Pareyio's approach combines grassroots organizing with international advocacy, testifying before the UN Commission on the Status of Women in 2013. Her story exemplifies how local activism can drive systemic change without abandoning cultural identity.