Leading animal welfare charity, the Brooke, celebrates the achievements of women working with horses and donkeys across Asia and Africa, marking International Women’s Day (8 March).

“My father took out loans for my elder sister’s dowry - so she could be married into a good family,” says Nasheema, 18, who works in a brick kiln with her horse Raju.

“Now I must work to repay this.  It’s my dream to earn enough money for my future, so that my father doesn’t have to borrow money from anyone again,” she added.

Dowry payments have been illegal in India since 1961 but are still practised in some communities.

Working horses, donkeys and mules play a significant role in helping to empower women.

“They help women fetch water and gather firewood – allowing them more time and opportunity to earn money and be involved in community activities,” says Dorcas Pratt, Director of International Development.

The Brooke is dedicated to improving the lives of working animals, through direct veterinary treatment and community training programmes, bringing together animal owners, women and children, to improve their knowledge of effective care and treatment.

Brooke Pakistan has pioneered a training project based on a model by the United Nations Development Programme, to educate women in key equine management and disease prevention, to enhance income and employment opportunities. 

To date, Brooke Pakistan has trained 80 women from the Punjab districts of Tek Singh and Narowal, with some women going on to practice and earn an income after learning about wound management and de-worming. 

“Enhancing opportunities for women through training and education and providing them with the positive skills and confidence needed to support their lives and earn an income, is the key to lifting them out of poverty,” adds Dorcas Pratt.