Women and People of Color

Why does Heifer focus on women?

Heifer International supports the full and equitable development of men and women to strengthen families and improve communities. Women often shoulder most of the responsibility for caring for the extended family, the household and farming; they frequently have few rights or privileges. We're working to change that - to help women unlock their potential and put them in control of their futures.

To ensure women are equally involved in decision-making, training and sharing in the benefits of projects, we work with women's groups and mixed-gender groups. Gender sensitivity training is offered to both women and men, which encourages husbands and wives to share in decision-making, ownership of the animals, labor and the benefits of projects. The training uses a family focus, demonstrating how gender equity benefits all family members, resulting in improved family harmony.

Why does Heifer have so many pictures of people of color?

Heifer International works in 21 countries across Africa, the Americas and Asia. We work alongside women and men who need an opportunity to improve the quality of their lives through the gifts of livestock and training. Poverty is often the result of discrimination and racism, and we work to be inclusive, regardless of race, color, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, national origin, age, disability, etc. Priority for our projects is given to groups that have traditionally been neglected. We are honored to partner with these communities to create more resilient livelihoods.