Empowering Women and Protecting Donkeys: Margaret’s Mission in Maasai Mara
Margaret, the chairwoman of the Naserian Women’s Donkey Welfare Group in Kenya’s Maasai Mara, is leading the charge in promoting the welfare of donkeys—animals that are vital to the local economy and daily life.
In a region where women shoulder the responsibility of collecting water, gathering firewood, and transporting food to market, donkeys are essential partners. Margaret describes their importance passionately:
“My donkey is my life, and my life is my donkey. I live because of him.”
Recognizing their shared reliance on these hardworking animals, Margaret and a group of local women united to form the Naserian Women’s Donkey Welfare Group. She explains:
“The thing that brought us together as a group was the donkey’s welfare. We saw it would be best for us to come together as women and fight for our donkeys.”
Through their advocacy, they have not only improved conditions for donkeys but also empowered women in the community, providing them with opportunities to escape poverty.
Chris Wainwright, CEO of Brooke—a global animal welfare charity—praised Margaret’s efforts:
“Women like Margaret remind us of the importance of compassion and commitment in creating meaningful change for working animals globally. Margaret’s story is a testament to the strength of community and the significant influence one passionate person can have.”
However, the group faces a major threat: the devastating donkey skin trade. Across Africa, donkeys are being stolen and slaughtered to produce eijao, a popular gelatine product. This trade has had catastrophic consequences, depriving families of their livelihoods and driving the animals toward crisis levels.
In response, Brooke has been advocating for a global ban on the donkey skin trade, successfully influencing a continent-wide ban on donkey slaughter and export across Africa in 2024.
About Brooke: A Legacy of Compassion
Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys is a UK-based global charity dedicated to improving the lives of working equines. Founded in 1934 by Dorothy Brooke, the organization traces its roots to Cairo, where Dorothy sought to rescue war horses abandoned after World War I. What began as the Old War Horse Memorial has since grown into an international movement spanning Africa, Asia, and Latin America, ensuring that working animals receive the care and respect they deserve.
Learn more about Brooke’s work with women and communities around the world.