Monday 26 April 2021
Of all the inequalities in African conservation, perhaps the most stark is its lack of African women. Racist and sexist biases mean that they are often overlooked for leadership positions, and must defy gender roles to take certain jobs. There is also the challenge of balancing childcare with research field trips. But the presence of women is essential. They play a major part in community engagement, without which conservation fails. In wildlife security, however, they are busting stereotypes.
Black Mambas Felicia and Joy at Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa
Julia Gunther
South Africa’s Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit was the world’s first all-female team when it formed in 2013. In 2017, the Akashinga rangers in Zimbabwe founded the original armed all-women anti-poaching unit, inspiring the female group at Segera, followed by Team Lioness, in 2019, both in Kenya. Elsewhere, women in positions of authority are proving powerful role models in their commun