-Mother, Ranger Supervisor, Leader: How Wadzanai Paved the Way for Women in Zimbabwe’s Conservation Efforts
-World Female Ranger Week Spotlights Unsung Heroes Like Wadzanai, Who Protect Wildlife and Inspire Change
John Cassim
Harare, Zimbabwe – As Zimbabwe joins the global celebration of World Female Ranger Week (June 23-26), ConserveZim shines a light on Wadzanai Munemo, a remarkable Ranger Supervisor at Akashinga, Zimbabwe’s all-female anti-poaching unit in the Lower Zambezi Valley.
Wadzanai’s journey with Akashinga is more than just a personal success story; it’s a powerful testament to the transformative power of opportunity and leadership. Driven by the desire to build a stable future for her children, she found in Akashinga not just a job, but a chance to rewrite the narrative for women in conservation.
“Akashinga did well for us female rangers,” Wadzanai shares. “Before, we were disadvantaged. This project empowered us.”
Through unwavering dedication and resilience, Wadzanai not only defied societal expectations but also secured a brighter future for her family. “My kids now have their own home and the freedom to pursue their dreams,” she explains.
Her rise to leadership within Akashinga further exemplifies her commitment and exceptional skills. “It shows I can be a good leader and a good mother,” she says. “I see these rangers as my sisters, and I treat them like my own children.”
Wadzanai’s ambitions extend beyond her current achievements. “I dream of building a bigger house and getting my Class Two license to drive a truck for conservation efforts,” she reveals.
Her vision goes beyond personal gain; it’s about leaving a legacy for her children and future generations. Wadzanai’s story reminds us that leadership has no gender barriers and that with determination and support, anything is possible.
Her unwavering spirit continues to inspire those around her. Her message is simple yet powerful: “Listen to instructions, do your job well, and invest in your future.”
Celebrating Women in Conservation
Wadzanai’s journey embodies the resilience and empowerment of women in conservation. It serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and support, anything is possible.
At Akashinga, the female rangers stand proudly as a female-only ranger force, representing strength, unwavering dedication, and a deep commitment to protecting the environment.
Showcasing the incredible talents of women is crucial. Diversity fuels innovation and progress. Women bring unique perspectives, skills, and solutions to the forefront, enriching our efforts to safeguard nature.
The call for gender equality echoes stronger than ever. Women, as natural communicators and nurturers, bring a unique perspective to conservation efforts. UN research shows that women reinvest up to 80 percent of their income back into their families, creating a vital cycle of education, healthcare, and community resilience.
Women are not just breaking barriers; they’re rewriting the rules of conservation, paving the way for a future where women stand shoulder-to-shoulder with men in protecting endangered wildlife and wild spaces.
But their stories often go unheard. That’s why World Female Ranger Week is a groundbreaking platform to elevate the voices of these unsung heroes. The campaign has reached millions through media coverage and grant programs, highlighting the invaluable contributions of female rangers and women in conservation worldwide.
“I’ve witnessed firsthand how female rangers are impacting lives through education,” says Holly Budge, founder of World Female Ranger Week and the NGO How Many Elephants. “As role models, educators, and beacons of hope, female rangers are transforming attitudes towards women’s roles within their communities and around the world.”