JOYCE CHILUBA:

Canine Handler and Control Room Operator

Joyce Chiluba came into conservation through law enforcement. In just five years she has expanded her career roles – venturing into canine handling, operations, and mentoring. “Being a scout is a good way to get into conservation. But it is not the only way. You can do accounting, teaching, mechanics, and many things. Because even as scouts, yes, we are protecting animals, but without vehicles, without money, can we be scouts?”

When Joyce decided to try out this career, very few females were represented in law enforcement. Her family worried for her, and her friends laughed at her. “There were very few women in conservation. In villages like Mukungule, in places like Nabwalya, Chifunda, when a woman wanted to join conservation, they were scared to be a scout because it was [seen as] for men only.

“Men were complaining about how strict the selection was. So, I was thinking, if a man is complaining like this, what about me? But I thought, let me just try, if I don’t manage, then God will give me another way to get into conservation.” Joyce passed her initial pre-selection scout test as well as the three-month training course.

Within a year of becoming a community scout, Joyce had emerged as a leader and inspiring female role model in her community. Friends started asking her advice and she was selected for further leadership training within the NLCP.

“Some people discourage you about what you want to do in your life. But look how other people are doing in conservation, then believe in yourself, and have the courage to say, ‘I can do this’.”