Role of Women in Livestock Sector, highlighting on International women’s Day

The role of women in livestock sector is highly significant in Pakistan’s national food security. The livestock sector is dominated by small-scale farming and women play a highly important role in this system. These women should be acknowledged on International Women’s Day which is observed annually on March 8. This day is observed to celebrate the achievements of women and advocate for gender equality. The history of International Women’s Day highlights the efforts behind the recognition of this day.

History of International Women’s Day

The history of International Women’s Day links back to the revolutionary period. International Women’s Day (IWD) traces its origins to the early 1900s, when women began protesting for better working conditions, fair wages, and voting rights. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the U.S. in 1909, and in 1910, German activist Clara Zetkin proposed an International Women’s Day at a socialist conference in Denmark. The first official IWD was celebrated on March 19, 1911, in several European countries, with mass demonstrations advocating for women’s rights. In 1917, Russian women’s protests on March 8 played a key role in the Russian Revolution, solidifying this date for future observance.

Over the decades, IWD became a global movement, gaining official UN recognition in 1977. Today, it is celebrated in over 100 countries, focusing on women’s achievements and ongoing challenges. The day serves as a platform for advocating gender equality, workplace rights, and social justice, with the UN assigning annual themes to address critical women’s issues worldwide.

Role of Women in Livestock Sector

Women play a crucial role in the livestock sector worldwide. They feed animals, clean shelters, and ensure their health. In rural areas, they handle small ruminants, dairy animals, and poultry. Their responsibilities include milking, egg collection, and processing dairy products, contributing to both family nutrition and local markets. Livestock rearing is predominantly a woman’s task.

ہماری قابل فخر لیڈی ویٹس ۔۔ خواتین کا عالمی دن

Rural women spend three to five hours daily on livestock-related activities. They work nearly 15 hours a day, dedicating about five to six hours to livestock care. They handle feeding, milking, fodder collection, shed cleaning, and animal health management. However, herding and marketing remain male-dominated due to mobility restrictions. However, stronger institutional support is needed to enhance women’s livestock farming skills and provide better access to credit.

Despite their significant role, their contributions often remain unrecognized.

Role of Women in Livestock Management

Women serve as key managers of livestock health and productivity. They monitor animal conditions, identify diseases, and apply basic treatments. Their traditional knowledge helps in disease prevention and sustainable farming. Despite their efforts, their role remains underappreciated, limiting their access to resources and decision-making power.

Challenges Women Face

Despite their contributions, rural women struggle with limited access to land, credit, veterinary services, and training. Social norms restrict their ownership of livestock and control over household economic decisions. About 25-30% of rural women participate in household financial decisions, but they often lack the authority to expand their livestock enterprises.

Empowering Rural Women Through Training Programs

Rural women play a central role in livestock management. Despite this, they often lack access to the tools, technical knowledge, and resources needed to maximize productivity and sustainability. Training workshops for rural women, conducted by the livestock department, play a crucial role in improving their livestock management skills. These workshops provide hands-on learning and technical knowledge, empowering women to enhance productivity and economic returns.

Workshops teach women how to identify common livestock diseases, administer basic treatments, and implement vaccination schedules. Demonstrate cost-effective ways to prepare balanced feed using locally available crops and agricultural waste. Share techniques for selecting resilient breeds and managing reproduction cycles.

Moreover, they can learn best practices for milking hygiene, egg collection, and poultry care. Proper handling and storage techniques prevent contamination, ensuring higher-quality dairy and poultry products. Expanding such initiatives can further uplift rural communities and boost national agricultural output. It will also strengthen the role of women in livestock sector.

Editor In Chief

Dr. Jassar Aftab is a qualified Veterinarian having expertise in veterinary communication. He is a renowned veterinary Journalist of Pakistan. He is veterinary columnist, veterinary writer and veterinary analyst. He is the author of three books. He has written a number of articles and columns on different topics related to livestock, dairy, poultry, wildlife, fisheries, food security and different aspects of animal sciences and veterinary education.

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