In regions of Africa where livestock keeping forms the backbone of daily life, a goat, chicken or cow means much more than just food or trade. These animals are the building blocks of women’s economic independence, allowing them to strengthen their position in the community. Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium contributes to this, both by providing animals for women who need them and by offering support and training. That is how these women gain the knowledge and resources they need to build a more sustainable future. Here are the stories of Marie-Rose, Justine and Minata.
Early in the morning, when the sun comes up, a woman in rural Africa opens the gate to her farmyard. Her animals greet her with familiar sounds: bleating goats, chickens scratching quietly… For her, a goat is not just an animal, but the first step towards a future free from worry. The chickens pecking at the ground around her feet lay eggs that will allow her to build up her first savings. Livestock keeping allows her both to feed her family and to save, invest, and chart her own course. Three inspiring examples of such women are Marie-Rose, Justine and Minata.
Poultry keeper, vaccinator and entrepreneur: Marie-Rose’s story
Marie-Rose, one of our female beneficiaries in Burundi. © Loïc Delvaulx
Marie-Rose, a 56-year-old widow from Burundi, lives in a world where livestock keeping is the difference between survival and thriving. When she was selected for one of our projects, this was the first step for her towards a better future. She received goats, seeds, medicines and – probably most important of all – knowledge.
Training in animal care and entrepreneurship gave her the skills to shape her future. When her goats started to produce kids, she sold a few and donated a couple to the solidarity chain in her community. Then she learned the techniques of poultry keeping and how to vaccinate chickens, allowing her to further increase her income. Along with 75 other women, she set up a savings and loans association, a community in which women support each other and strengthen each other economically.
With her growing profits, Marie-Rose has been able to send her children to school – a victory that has led to bigger dreams. “I’m proud that all the support I’ve received has borne fruit.” Thanks to our help, she is self-assured. For the future, she dreams of a house as strong and resilient as she is: “Later, I’d like to improve my home. At the moment, I’m helping my son build his house, but I’d like a beautiful home of my own as well.”
Beekeeper Justine: a busy bee with big dreams
Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium gave Justine beekeeping training. © Thibault Flament
Justine Uwanyagasani, a young woman from Rwanda with a passion for beekeeping, has also taken the future into her own hands. “I grew up with a father who kept bees”, she explains. “I’ve always felt it was a lovely job that I wanted to do myself.” With our support, Justine learned sophisticated beekeeping tips in 2024, from honey production to the maintenance of biodiversity. “I’ve learned so many new things I didn’t know. This work gives me the courage to do everything I can to achieve my goals.”
Besides the economic benefits, beekeeping also helps to protect the environment. “We protect bodiversity, because the bees are at risk. By caring for them, we help our people and nature as well.” Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium offers Justine and her community the means to determine their own future. Armed with modern beekeeping equipment and informative training, they learn the secrets of keeping bees. “Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium helps us grow and enables us to build a stable future.”
Minata’s story: from grass and goats to growth
Minata caring for the goats she received from Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Belgium. © Semfilms
Minata Bamogo, a 49-year-old woman from Burkina Faso, has seen dramatic changes in her life thanks to our support. Her journey began in uncertainty. She was fleeing violence four years ago when she found shelter in Barsalogo, where she rebuilt her life step by step with the support of a host community. Like many women there, she worked hard for a meagre wage. “When I arrived here, I sold grass for hay”, Minata recalls. “My arms still bear the scars from that work.”
However, her life changed when she received five goats, animal feed and training in animal care and business management. Her herd grew, and with the income from sales, she was able to expand to sheep: “In the end, I was unable to sell all the grass I had mown. I used it to feed my animals instead. Everything has changed since I started breeding small ruminants.”
Since then, Minata has sold fifteen sheep and three rams. The profits – about 180,000 CFA (roughly 90 euros) – meant a new start for her: she could rebuild her ruined house, and her children had a future at school. Like Marie-Rose and Justine, Minata has proved that with the right opportunities and knowledge, women can shape their own future and change the world around them. Real progress doesn’t just start with the resources offered, but with the hands that determinedly accept them.
Help women like Marie-Rose, Justine and Minata: donate now!
You too can help women such as Marie-Rose, Justine and Minata on their way to a better future. By donating today, you will strengthen these women in their fight for economic independence and a sustainable future, and contribute to a change that will last for generations. Together, we can make the difference. Join us and donate now on our website – your contribution changes lives.