Women in Conservation: Challenging stereotypes and making a difference in wildlife protection
Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) – Zambia Pie Aerts
Women and the community are slowly but surely forming an essential part of Zambia’s wildlife protection forces.
As part of Kufadza, Zambia’s first all-female anti-poaching community scout unit, I am proud to be part of this transition, impacting women’s involvement in the conservation landscape across the African continent.
According to recent figures, only 11% of wildlife rangers are female. Most factors limiting women’s equal participation in rangering are universal. In other words, gender norms have deep cultural roots and ingrained attitudes that hold women back from participating in outdoor activities that are deemed ‘physically demanding’.
However, I am living proof that these statistics should not phase those who want to play their part in the conservation mission but drive them to join the cause.
Working with Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) – Kufadza, meaning inspire in the local Goba language, we are committed to the protection of wildlife and the sustainable use of natural resources in the Lower Zambezi in Zambia. Alongside the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife as well as the local communities and with the support of donors including Tusk Trust, we aim to mitigate threats to wildlife from poaching in the region.
As a woman, making a difference in this sector is not easy. Many think of Africa’s rangers as brave and fearless warriors fighting on the frontlines of conservation, yet few envision us as female, let alone as leading the charge for fighting issues such as wildlife crime.
Contrary to this widespread misconception, findings using civilian police force evidence as comparable, point clearly to the importance of inclusive enforcement in this sphere. Increased effectiveness and reduced violence are associated with higher levels of female representation.
Given that men and women interact with their environment, biodiversity and natural resources differently, gender-blind approaches to tackling the illegal wildlife trade and crimes consequently result in significant gaps in understanding. As such, we risk not creating interventions that can have a real impact.
In addition, masculinised approaches can sour relationships with community members who might otherwise be allies. In fact, environmental security consultant, Jessica Graham, demonstrates the importance of women in the community and how the trust they build is key in reducing poaching, increasing wildlife activity, enhancing security, and preventing crime.
Thankfully, it is gradually becoming more apparent that given our role as natural communicators, protectors and educators, bringing gender equality into our industry should be a priority. Initiatives such as World Female Ranger Week (23-30 June) and World Female Ranger Day (23 June) are steps in the right direction.
However, international ‘days’ and ‘weeks’ alone are not enough. Global, regional, and local support is needed if we are to encourage more women to enter the rangering profession.
Gone are the days when women were bound to a life of domestic chores.
In the past, societal norms, and values restricted jobs such as rangering to just men, however, women have now realised and proven that we play a vital role when it comes to protecting natural resources. The role of women in conservation does not start in the bush, it starts at home—imparting knowledge on the importance of conserving natural resources to the next generation.
If we want to find sustainable solutions to preserve critical habitats, protect endangered species, and combat the illegal wildlife trade as well as the aggravating climate crisis, then more needs to be done when it comes to inclusivity.
Forming part of Kufadza, Zambia’s first all-female anti-poaching community scout unit is something which I hope can and will inspire many others to take up the opportunity to safeguard our natural landscapes, regardless of their gender.
The societal influence of women in this space is extremely important and without female involvement, the likelihood of successfully achieving our conservation goals dwindles.
As an example, the Black Mambas, Africa’s first ever women-only team, have achieved a 63% reduction in poaching incidents in their area of operation since being formed. The Mambas walk 20km every day, checking the perimeter fences for signs of incursions. Like most of us, they also deliver engaging conservation education to local schools through their Bush Babies outreach programme.
Along with the other women who form part of Kufadza, we intend to be the first, not the last of the all-female anti-poaching scout unit in Zambia.
Day and night, when we patrol the wilderness areas, monitor wildlife, seize snares and work with our local communities, we aim to pave the way for future wildlife rangers.
As we overcome adversity and marginalisation, it is time to continue breaking the mould and be brave, lead from the front and keep striving for more inclusivity.
Women want to participate in wildlife rangering as much as men do. Yet, to enable and encourage greater equality in this profession, an overall shift away from ‘traditional attitudes’ towards gender norms needs to materialise.
As we celebrate World Ranger on Friday, we need to recognise that gender norms are neither ‘natural’ nor unchangeable and whilst we are slowly changing the game and setting a precedent for women to stand alongside men at the forefront of conservation, we need allies.
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