Local voices
My name is Muna. I am 51 years old, a widow and a mother of ten. I live in Digino Kebele in the Somali Region of Ethiopia.
Like many families here, I depend on livestock and small-scale farming. My cattle, sheep and goats provide food and income. They give milk to my children and are the foundation of our livelihood.
In recent years, drought has become more frequent and pasture scarce. When animals fall ill or weaken, the consequences are immediate. We lose food, income and stability. For a long time, there were no veterinary services in our village.
Living with drought and limited services
Our lives are closely tied to our animals and the land. When the rains fail, everything is affected.
Without treatment, diseases spread quickly. Sometimes even using products from sick animals puts our health at risk. This uncertainty was part of everyday life.
Learning and acting together
I joined the Gender Responsive One Health (GROH) project, implemented by Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Suisse (VSF-Suisse) and its partners.
Through the project, I learned how human health, animal health and the environment are connected. I learned how to grow drought-resistant fodder, how to better care for my animals and how to prevent disease.
Together with other women, we exchanged knowledge and supported each other. Over time, we became more confident and more involved in decisions in our community.
Change you can see
Veterinary services are now available in our area for the first time. Mobile clinics visit our community, and our animals receive treatment and vaccinations.
My animals are healthier and produce more milk. I can feed my children and sell part of the milk to generate income.
We are also better prepared for drought. We have fodder reserves and the knowledge to manage difficult periods.
Taking responsibility
Today, I lead our community platform in Digino Kebele. I represent families and work with others to address challenges.
What matters most is that women are now part of decision-making. We contribute to choices that affect our lives, our animals and our future.
Life is still difficult. But we are no longer facing it without options.
When women take on responsibility, the whole community becomes stronger.