University College London (UCL) and working animal charity Brooke have partnered to discuss the vital role of working animals for women during disasters. 

Their photo essay identifies the ways in which working horses, donkeys and mules can support women acting on disaster risk management in developing countries. 

The research is part of a wider, global project led by Brooke and UCL to understand how working animals can help protect communities before and after disasters, and how this may impact a working animal’s welfare. 

Dr Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at UCL, said: “It is a privilege to be collaborating with Brooke, seeing how our research helps people and animals most in need.  

“Our science communication aims to influence policy and action. 

“Supporting Brooke partners is crucial, not only during times of struggle after a disaster, but also beforehand to help avoid disasters in the first place.” 

Without disaster risk management, floods, hurricanes, droughts can have a catastrophic impact on people and animals, especially in resource-poor areas. 

Over 100 million working horses, donkeys and mules support the livelihoods of 600 million people worldwide, helping them to earn an income and put food on the table. 

When a disaster occurs, donkeys, horses and mules can be critical in the recovery process for women in the community, accessing damaged areas where vehicles can’t, evacuating people and rebuilding infrastructure and the local economy. 

Gemma Carder, Senior Manager for Global Research at Brooke, said: “Working animals and women are often the unsung heroes in disaster-affected communities.  

“This essay sheds light on their lived experiences and the vital, practical support these animals provide during crisis recovery.  

“It’s essential that future disaster risk and resilience policies recognise the gendered realities of emergencies and include working animals in planning and response efforts.” 

Read the full photo essay here.