One of the projects we run is the Maasai Cow Project. As traditionally nomadic pastoralists, cows are hugely important for the Maasai and milk is drunk in various forms daily. They often refer to milk as their 'vegetables' and when times are hard, a meal of maize porridge and milk will be considered a good one. We have particularly targeted the women who have no cows and little means of providing for themselves. Being entrusted with a cow of their own gives them status and a degree of self respect. Amongst those who have benefited so far is a grandmother who has the sole care of her grandson, a young single mother of two, a young widow with 6 children and two women whose husbands have sadly 'drunk' away the family goats and cows with 11 children between them.
Each woman receives a cow on ‘long-term loan’ so that it cannot be sold over her head. The head of the boma (a family homestead) can decide which cows to sell and when without reference to the the owner if she is a woman. Each of our cows has a large G stamped on its rump to indicate Graham's ownership. This has so far proved effective in safe guarding the cow. The first calf born is returned to the project and all further calves belong to the woman.
We hope to keep you updated with stories of some of these women with their names changed to respect their privacy.
