Back

Living as a female herder in Mongolia

March 7, 2023

Ariunzul Enkhbaatar

Head of Sustainable Development Division

Ariunzul Enkhbaatar

Head of Sustainable Development Division

As the Head of the Sustainable Development Division at GOBI Cashmere, Ariunzul is committed to upholding responsible and ethical practices throughout every stage of cashmere production. She spearheads initiatives in environmental protection, social responsibility, and ethical governance while collaborating closely with herders to promote sustainable sourcing. Deeply passionate about Mongolian culture and the livelihoods of the herders who make cashmere possible, she shares stories of their traditions, the artistry behind cashmere garments, and how GOBI Cashmere remains dedicated to sustainability.

Author Profile

SHARE THIS

The harsh & challenging weather in Mongolia is not one man’s job. The tenacity, bravery, and wisdom it takes to herd require the ingenuity of a woman.

The harsh & challenging weather in Mongolia is not one man’s job. The tenacity, bravery, and wisdom it takes to herd require the ingenuity of a woman. 

The majority of women in a herding family take as much part in animal husbandry as men in addition to their house duties which makes their role very important in this ancient nomadic lifestyle. Women are usually in charge of milking the animals, processing the dairy products, and combing the wool and cashmere in the spring. Since they are also making decisions about flock sizes and selling and keeping the products, their decision-making skills are inevitable in making a living pursuing this challenging career.
In addition to taking part in herding, we can’t forget about their duties as a wife, a mom, and an educator in the family. Their daily job is not a second less than a man, but more. Their place in the household is getting seen as more equal than ever in recent years as they are getting more education and more rights through different projects focused on female herders.
With the income coming from tending to their animals, more children and more herders get to receive an education and live an easier life. Being a herder is not a simple life, but it is challenging and risky. Only 9,6% of the Mongolian population is herders and women are an integral part of passing down this traditional lifestyle and preparing the future generation of herders. Being a female herder doubles the hardship, but doubles the responsibility. Happy International women’s day to all women.


Subscribe to our Newsletter to receive about our upcoming news and deals.
Free Shipping on Orders over $199
Very simple, 14 days return policy
Without Risk & Simple Payment
All our collections are 100% made in Mongolia