The challenges facing pastoralist women and girls rarely exist in isolation.
A girl’s education can influence her future economic opportunities. Economic independence can strengthen a woman’s voice within her household. Secure land rights can help protect livelihoods. Climate change can affect all of these areas.
That is why Pastoral Women’s Council works across four mutually reinforcing priorities.
Women’s Economic Power
Economic opportunity can help women strengthen livelihoods, develop businesses, save and invest collectively, and gain greater independence.
Girls’ Education
PWC works with girls, families, schools and communities to address barriers that can prevent girls from entering, remaining in and succeeding in school.
Rights & Leadership
Women need knowledge of their rights and meaningful opportunities to participate in the decisions affecting their lives. PWC supports leadership, collective organization and participation in decision-making.
Climate Resilience
Communities are experiencing the effects of changing environmental conditions. PWC supports locally led approaches that strengthen resilience and help communities adapt.
Why These Priorities Work Together
These areas reinforce one another.
Education can create new opportunities. Economic independence can strengthen decision-making. Secure rights can protect livelihoods. Leadership can help communities advocate for better services and resources.
Together, these efforts contribute to communities that are more equitable, resilient and able to shape their own futures.
A Locally Led Future
At the center of PWC’s approach is a simple principle:
Communities themselves must remain at the center of the solutions.
Lasting change is the strongest.