EMPOWERING GIRLS, Supporting Conservation

Author: Dr. Tabitha Finch

Like many, I was drawn to Africa because of its remarkable, awe-inspiring wildlife and natural landscapes. While conducting research on African elephants in Kenya as part of my doctoral studies, I learned the important role that education plays in conservation efforts.

It was that realization that led me to take a position in Mfuwe, Zambia with the Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust where I ran after-school conservation clubs in a community based outside of a national park. Chipembele also had a girls club that was sponsored in part by the Global Sojourns Giving Circle (GSGC). GSGC’s approach to girls’ education and empowerment make the organization an important ally for the field of wildlife conservation.

The connection between gender equality and sustainability is recognized globally as part of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Specifically, goal five states, “Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.” The UN hopes that by 2030, all learners will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development through education and gender equality. GSGC’s approach to help girls realize a life of dignity (and equality) as a means to lift up families and communities leads to widespread impacts that make a difference across a variety of sectors, including conservation.

“Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”

Impoverished people rely on natural resources and open lands to gather the materials they need for survival, such as firewood and fresh water. Data collected by the World Bank reveals a gender gap in poverty with girls and women of reproductive age being more likely to live in poor households than boys and men. Specifically, for every 100 men living in poor households there are 120 women, a sizeable difference. These inequalities leave girls and women more vulnerable when there is a loss of natural resources. As females often manage the household chores, they have a deep knowledge of the natural environments in which they live, and should be included in conservation efforts. The founders of GSGC’s latest community partner, Tikobane Boys and Girls Clubs, could not agree more.

Tikobane’s clubs in the township of Dete, Zimbabwe outside of Hwange National Park work to empower girls and boys so that they see one another as equal. By instilling a sense of self-worth and team spirit in these individuals, the club mentors hope to see community-wide change that leads to a reduction in rampant wildlife poaching in the area. As Mentor Ndlelende explains, if you want people to care about wildlife, they must feel that their lives are equally valued. Both he and Mentor Dumi reiterate that local communities need to benefit from conservation initiatives if they are to be sustainable. Tikobane is addressing this sustainability issue, and in particular, sees the need to empower and encourage girls and women to be involved in local conservation efforts. One stereotype that they are actively working to change is teaching females that jobs in tourism and conservation are not just for men. They strongly believe that women should be engaged in anti-poaching efforts in order to bolster their community and to inspire girls to do the same.

“If you want people to care about wildlife,they must feel that their lives are equally valued."

While it has not been widely advertised, GSGC selects clubs and mentors to work with in areas of conservation concern. Empowering the youth, and particularly, girls, in these regions positively affects local conservation efforts. I saw that firsthand while near South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, and continue to see the ripple effect through Tikobane’s work. I do wholeheartedly believe in educating girls, but this direct connection to wildlife conservation is what fuels my passion and continued involvement with GSGC. By investing in girls, we are helping to make Africa, and the planet, more sustainable.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tabitha Finch earned her PhD in biology from the university of Missouri studying the ecology and evolution of the African Elephant. She has held various community engagement roles in Alabama, Mfuwe, Zambia and presently in Vermont where she works at the university of Vermont.