Oyuntseren Oidov is a doctor living in Tost bag, a village in Gurvantes soum of the South Gobi Province.  She makes only about $118 per month, which is less than $6 per day. She had three children, but last year she lost her 19-year-old son. The boy was doing construction work and injured so badly he couldn't survive.  It was a very difficult year for her; mourning the loss of her boy, taking care of her granddaughter while her oldest daughter earned money as a trader, and looking after her elderly mother.  She now has to travel frequently to visit patients, and she worries about her 15-year-old daughter and 7-year-old granddaughter when she leaves for nighttime calls. These calls take her 30-50 km away from Tost bag via horses, camels, or motorcycles. 

Today:  Oidov is the local coordinator for the Snow Leopard Enterprise program in Tost bag, and although she does not have her own livestock, she makes camel wool yarn using the wool from her community members, and she is a great organizer of the women.  Because she goes from family to family doing check ups or giving vaccinations to children and adults, she is able to spend time talking to the SLE participants and helping them with their products.  This year, her community of 15 households has made more than $1,000 worth of products. 

“As a single mother, I am very grateful for the program’s usefulness and support,” she says.  “The money is very helpful.  The women in my community all work together on this program, and being able to help other women in my community helps me in my own life.  We are so happy for the program.”  

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