Transport empowers women

With improved access to transport,
women can gain time, income,
productivity, status and independence.

Whole families may benefit through women's access to transport. In some societies, women gain particular benefits from donkeys that have few gender associations.

Photograph by Paul Starkey ©
Woman with a donkey wagon in Bulgaria

Photograph by Paul Starkey ©Women and donkeys in Tanga, Tanzania

The Tanga Animal Draft Power Project started in north-eastern Tanzania in 1981. Lack of farm power and transport were identified as crucial constraints for smallholder farmers. The Project first introduced work oxen and ox carts and then started to promote the use of donkeys. When the project started, it was normal to work mainly with male farmers. Project gender sensitivity increased and more attention was paid to women farmers. Women started to benefit from the spread of donkey carts. Women found it easier (socially, economically and practically) to own and manage donkeys than oxen. Women used donkey carts for carrying water and fuel wood, harvest products, forage for animals, goods for trading and people themselves. Donkeys were also used for plowing and weeding. Initial prejudice against donkeys was rapidly overcome through practical demonstrations of donkey employment.
Photo: Women with donkey cart in Tanga, Tanzania

Photograph by Paul Starkey ©Women are often the main transporters, and particular attention needs to be paid to women's transport needs. In many societies, men generally own or control large animals (cattle, camels, horses) and transport devices (cycles, carts). Donkeys are more 'gender-neutral' and women may find it easy to adopt them. It may seem ironical that women (the disadvantaged gender) may benefit from donkeys (the most marginalised of domestic livestock).

Women with donkey cart in Tanga, Tanzania