Her Voice, Their Lives
Advancing animal welfare in Uganda through women-led science, advocacy, and compassion.
About Zoi | Her Voice, their Lives
A Humane and Sustainable Future for Uganda
Zoi is a women-led animal welfare initiative dedicated to creating a Uganda where all animals are treated with compassion, dignity, and respect. Guided by evidence and empathy, we bridge the gap between scientific research and grassroots advocacy to build a future of coexistence.
Our name, meaning ‘life,’ reflects our core belief: every animal’s life deserves respect. Guided by the principle “Her Voice, Their Lives,” we champion the unique power of women’s leadership to create a more humane and sustainable future.
Our Pillars
Scientific Research
The foundation of all we do. We identify welfare gaps and develop evidence-based solutions.
Community Engagement
Empowering farmers and communities with the knowledge and tools for humane practices.
Corporate Campaigning
"Partnering with businesses to create ethical supply chains and market-driven change.
Policy Advocacy
Driving systemic, long-term improvements through humane standards and regulations.
Our Campaigns
Humane Farm Animal Welfare
Building a more compassionate future for cattle, goats, pigs, and poultry through science and empathy.
Key Focus Areas:
- Housing & handling improvements
- Antibiotic reduction
- Farmer training programs
- Sustainable practice adoption
Cage-Free Poultry Welfare
Transforming poultry farming in Uganda into a system rooted in compassion, sustainability, and shared prosperity.
Key Focus Areas:
- Farmer training & transition support
- Corporate cage-free commitments
- National welfare standards
- Public awareness campaigns
Humane Slaughter Awareness
Ensuring animals’ final moments are marked by respect through improved practices and standards.
Key Focus Areas:
- Slaughterhouse assessments
- Worker training programs
- Infrastructure improvements
- Policy development
What We Do
Through evidence-based strategies and women-led initiatives, we’re building a more humane Uganda for all living beings.
01.
— Uncover Evidence-Based Insights
Our scientific research assesses living conditions, identifies welfare challenges, and provides the foundation for all our compassionate work with farmed and aquatic animals.
02.
— Forge Strategic Partnerships
We connect farmers, businesses, government agencies, and communities to build powerful networks that advance animal welfare standards across Uganda.
03.
— Empower Local Leadership
We invest in women and community leaders, providing them with the tools and platforms to drive animal welfare advocacy and become agents of change.
Impact Stories
How Free Wings Gave Sarah's Chickens and Her Community a Second Chance at Life
For years, Sarah Nalwanga managed her small poultry farm on the outskirts of Kampala the only way she knew how: with hundreds of hens crammed into wire battery cages. “I thought it was the modern way,” she admits. “But the birds were stressed, their feathers were falling out, and disease spread so quickly. I was constantly spending money on antibiotics, and still, I was losing many of them. It felt like a losing battle.
Sarah’s turning point came when she attended a Zoi Free Wings workshop. Our team presented the clear scientific and economic evidence for cage-free systems. More importantly, they listened to her challenges. Zoi provided Sarah with:
Technical Training: On designing and managing a cage-free system suited to her farm.
Business Support: A transition plan that addressed her fears about cost and productivity.
Ongoing Mentorship: Regular check-ins from a Zoi field officer.
How Pawstive Kids Turned a Young Boy's Curiosity into a Community's Compassion
In a rural village in Central Uganda, 10-year-old David often saw animals as tools for work or food. Like many children in his community, he was taught that a goat’s value was in its milk and meat, not its capacity to feel fear or pain. This perception was the norm, creating a cycle where animal welfare was rarely considered.
David’s school became a partner in Zoi’s Pawstive Kids program. Through interactive lessons that used storytelling, art, and role-playing, our educators introduced concepts of empathy and animal sentience. In one session, children were asked to imagine the life of a local dairy goat—what it might feel to be hungry, scared, or content.
David’s small act of kindness created a ripple effect. His parents, seeing the goat become healthier and more productive, started talking to their neighbors. Soon, our Pawstive Kids team was invited to speak to a parents’ meeting. “My son taught me that compassion is also good business,” David’s father shared with the group. “A healthier animal gives us more.”