Give to Gain: Opening Doors for Women and Girls in Conservation

International Women’s Day always gives me a moment to pause.

When I began my career thirty years ago, it was rare to see women in technical conservation roles — and even rarer to see them influencing decisions about land and wildlife. There were fewer seats at the table, and fewer invitations. I remember walking into meetings and noticing who wasn’t there. It was clear that conservation, as important as it was, did not yet reflect the full community it was meant to serve.

Today at African People & Wildlife, I see something different.

Women serve on grazing committees, build and monitor Living Walls, lead eco-friendly enterprises, and contribute confidently to land and wildlife management. They hold scientific and technical roles that once felt out of reach.

This progress has required commitment from our team, partners, and supporters who believed conservation could look different. We continue building on that progress by creating new opportunities for women in conservation and strengthening pathways to leadership within our programs.

Community-led conservation succeeds only when those most affected are decision-makers. Women must influence, design, and lead. Girls should see a clear path into this field and know they belong.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme, “Give to Gain,” resonates with me. The women on our team have given years of study, effort, and perseverance to get to where they are now. Because of that, our organization is stronger. We benefit daily from their expertise and leadership alongside so many dedicated Tanzanians who drive this mission forward.

Conservation is stronger. Communities are better represented. And girls can imagine new possibilities for themselves.

If this vision speaks to you, I invite you to stand with us. When we invest in opportunity and ensure women and girls have a seat at the table, we strengthen conservation and communities alike.

Join us in keeping these doors open, and in building a future where coexistence reflects all of us. Learn more about the African Women in Conservation Initiative and donate to support our programs for women and girls.