Theme: “When Women Rise, We All Rise”
World Female Ranger Week is a global initiative (June 23–30) founded by Holly Budge and her NGO “How Many Elephants”, spotlighting women who serve as wildlife rangers worldwide. With only around 22% of rangers being female, the week celebrates their contributions to biodiversity protection, community empowerment, and gender equity in conservation. With their exceptional communication skills and profound understanding of their communities they’re instrumental in building a sustainable future where wildlife and people coexist and thrive. This year’s campaign emphasizes the powerful ripple effect of empowering female rangers—not only do they safeguard wildlife, but they also lift up their communities and promote gender equity in conservation. Women rangers are making significant strides in conservation efforts, contributing immensely towards:
- Biodiversity defense & community trust: Female rangers excel in building dialogue with communities, resolving human–wildlife conflicts, and introducing inclusive patrol tactics.
- Leadership & innovation: Many are trailblazers leading anti-poaching units, employing tech (like drones, GPS), and founding conservation movements.
- Breaking stereotypes: These women challenge norms in traditionally male domains from armed patrol to field leadership.
“When Women Rise, We All Rise” celebrates how empowering women rangers leads to stronger conservation, enriched communities, and healthier biodiversity. The focus on Skills, Innovation, Leadership, and empowerment showcases how women are not only part of the conservation effort but they’re transforming it. When female rangers are supported, their influence radiates beyond conservation leading to economic uplift, better family outcomes, and stronger local engagement.
Kano Zoological and Wildlife Management Agency (KAZOWMA) celebrate the immeasurable contributions and dedication of women rangers across the globe, as a tribute to the female warriors of the wild protecting wildlife and shaping the future of conservation.
