Female game rangers break traditional barriers
IN the not-so-distant past protecting the country’s resources from poaching and other threats was a male dominated occupation by virtue of it being risky as reports of shoot-outs with cornered and daring poachers were the trend.
But like in any other field previously regarded manly and macho, more women are now breaking the traditional barriers by becoming rangers, a development that has proven the important role that they play in protecting Africa’s natural heritage from threats posed by poaching.
Speaking during the World Ranger Challenge Day held at Hwange National Park Main Camp on Saturday, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority (Zimparks) North-West Matabeleland regional manager Mr Amos Chipaya applauded women for breaking the cultural stereotype associated with being a ranger.
“In the past, women would be overlooked for this job because we did not fit them in the traditional conception of a wildlife ranger. However, over time, it has been proven that women play a vital role in protecting Africa’s rich natural heritage,” said Mr Chipaya.
This comes as more women are taking up anti-poaching initiatives in conservancies and communities as part of conservation efforts. Wildlife Ranger Challenge is meant to raise money for frontline conservation as well as awareness on the importance of the rangers’ role in protecting wildlife, habitats, communities and the planet.
This year’s event saw Chief Nelukoba Dingani opening the race by running a few metres in honour of the rangers. One community volunteer ranger who is now a part of the permanent Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) anti-poaching unit, Ms Belinda Ncube made history after receiving international recognition for her efforts in breaking the gender barriers around the profession.
She told Sunday News that her experience at the Iganyana Children’s Bush Camp challenged her to play a part in conservation efforts.
“I come from one of the villages in Mabale and my experience at the Bush Camp when I was in Grade Six changed my destiny. The interaction with nature there exposed me and challenged my role in protecting wildlife. I made up my mind there and there that when I grow-up I would work towards protecting wildlife. It has not been an easy task especially for a woman but I’m a living testimony along with others that we too can be at the forefront of wildlife conservation.”
Another volunteer who is a member of the Mabale Anti-poaching team, Mrs Sinikiwe Ncube said women were rallying behind conservation efforts especially after losing livestock to wire snares set by poachers to catch game in the bush.
The Mabale Anti-Poaching Unit receives technical and financial assistance from PDC through trainings, equipment and allowances for members when out on patrols. Mr Chipaya said despite funding constraints brought on by the Covid-19 outbreak, the rangers had remained resilient and continue to protect the country’s wildlife.
Painted Dog Conservation (PDC) operations manager Mr David Kuvawoga appealed to the corporate world to partner conservation efforts especially in the wake of the effects of Covid-19. PDC donated grocery hampers to rangers from Zimparks, Forestry Commission, conservancies and the Mabale Community Anti-Poaching Unit. Over 100 participants ran the 21km half marathon with some rangers strapping backpacks with a weight of 22 kg for men and 10 kg for women a demonstration of their endurance during their patrols which last for more than 21 days.