MERISO Women Initiative is a legally registered Community Based Organisation formed in the year 2014 under the merger of two women groups; MERIGO Women Group formed in 2002 and ISOGARGARO Women Group formed in the year 1997. The CBO of 43 women all residing in Loglogo is composed of teachers, nurses, church and community opinion leaders. Before the merger, the two women group have been doing several community programs like education interventions, cultural activities, environmental conservation, gender mainstreaming and community charitable activities. MERISO has been implementing these interventions in partnership with local and international civil society organisations within the county like CIFA, PISP, PACIDA, IIRR, World Vision among others. MERISO is located in Loglogo town, 48 km south of Marsabit town along Isiolo Marsabit highway.

MERISO is currently operating a girl child rescue centre for the victims and survivors of gender based violence. Our journey began in 2002 with a firm and passionate stand against harmful practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM), early and forced marriages, the beading of young girls, and other forms of gender-based violence rooted in retrogressive cultural norms. What started as a grassroots response — housing and supporting at-risk girls within our own homes — gradually evolved into a more structured effort. Two like-minded groups came together under one umbrella, mobilized community support through a fundraising campaign, and eventually established a safe center for girls. It was at this turning point that the name Meriso Women Initiative was born, signifying a unified commitment to protecting and empowering girls and women in our community

The initiative began with 25 courageous girls — including our own daughters — who boldly refused to undergo female genital mutilation. These young pioneers remain powerful examples of resilience and strength. Their brave stance created an urgent need to establish a local alternative center, as it became financially unsustainable to take them to distant safe spaces such as those in Kajiado, Samvuru, and other areas. The Meriso Women Initiative acknowledges with deep gratitude the vital role played by the Indigenous Information Network (IIN) in empowering women and girls. Through their support, several girls have received training in key areas such as human and women’s rights, girls’ education, and children’s rights — laying a strong foundation for informed advocacy and community transformation.