The Samburu are closely related to the Massai tribe and function with a deeply patriarchal culture. 

Rebecca Lolosoli founded Umoja after having the idea whilst recovering in hospital from being beaten by a group of men. 

She has since faced threats and attacks from local men but will not let this bring her down.

The village is surrounded by a fence of thorns in a grassland area of Samburu County. 

The village's first residents came from isolated Samburu villages, though now women may travel to seek refuge in Umoja. 

The village is a place of escape for women who have experienced sexual or domestic violence and forced/child marriage. 

Whilst men are allowed to visit the town, they are not permitted to stay or sleep there. There is an exception for boys raised in the village; however, after they reach 18 years old, they are asked to leave. 

The women in this town are able to create a steady income to support their modest lifestyles. 

Running a nearby campsite helps them to support this income. 

Many tourists staying at the site will generally elect to visit Umoja, paying a small entrance fee and likely shopping through many handmade artefacts and jewellery. 

A middle-aged woman, Nagusi, says that she feels proud when tourists come and buy her beads, and she makes her own money. 

Some of the village's more experienced residents also ensure to spend time educating local and nearby women and girls on the issues surrounding early marriage and FGM. 

Those who live in Umoja appear to feel supported and loved by their community and feel free and in control of their lives.