Born from Struggle. Built on Hope. Led by Community.

Esarunoto was founded by local women and youth in rural Kenya who had witnessed too many girls dropping out of school, suffering in silence from gender-based violence, and being denied opportunities to thrive.

What began as informal conversations under a tree — offering refuge and mentorship to a few vulnerable girls — grew into a community-led movement of support, empowerment, and action. We saw a need, and we became the response.

“We didn’t wait for change to come — we became the change our girls were waiting for.” — Founding Member, Esarunoto CBO

Rooted in the Maasai word “Esarunoto,” meaning “place of refuge,” our organization became exactly that: a safe space where girls, young women, and youth could be heard, guided, and empowered to transform their lives — and their communities.

Today, Esarunoto CBO continues to grow as a grassroots force for justice, education, dignity, and change — led by the very people it serves.