Women must be at the heart of solutions to save nature
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate our female conservationists who are paving the way for a future where women are equally represented as leaders in their communities, sectors and countries in the fight against the climate and nature crisis.
By Sarah Brady, Head of Communications
This International Women’s Day, we are proud to celebrate our female conservationists who lead the way across the world to save nature. Not only do they overcome gender barriers, but their strength and determination pave the way for a future where women are equally represented as leaders in their communities, sectors and countries in the fight against the climate and nature crisis.
‘‘Do not be afraid to take advantage of new and challenging opportunities that will help you grow. Be willing to learn from people and situations. Have confidence. You won’t always be right, but being a woman or being young doesn’t mean you are wrong. Speak up. Your voice and your personal experiences matter.”
Eliana Fierro – International Conservation Project Officer, American Bird Conservancy (USA)
Cover Image: Tunisia Shepherd women in El Feija National Park ©Association Sidi Bouzitoun
Our conservation work actively champions women around the world: Dr Purnima Devi Barman mobilised 10,000 women across India to help save one of the world’s rarest storks, the Greater Adjutant. Women in Burkino Faso, are supported by our BirdLife Partner, Naturama, to restore the nature landscape, benefiting birds, bees and business.
Our BirdLife partner in the Philippines, Haribon Foundation, supports volunteer indigenous forest defenders, known as Bantay Gubat including three amazing women forest defenders – Bae Elma Bauzon, Bae Virgilia Juagpao, and Ka Ningning Aztovesa –who lead their communities in preserving their heritage.
“I will voice this out on behalf of the others who couldn’t speak’’
Bae Virgilia, forest defender.
Our latest project in the Pacific, which will explore the potential of invasive species removal as a nature-based solution (nature-mitigating climate impacts) places women at the centre of decision-making in recognition of their crucial role in protecting nature.
Despite being disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis, there is still much work to be done to ensure that women are represented and their voices are heard at decision-making levels from local communities to UN conventions. With 910 million women living in poverty and therefore most vulnerable to the devastating impacts of the climate and nature crises, we owe it to them to ensure that we do not give up.
Today we celebrate women who lead the way and break down those barriers so that future generations can follow. At BirdLife, we couldn’t be prouder of our community of female conservationists, who ensure that there is a future worth living for all of us.
‘‘Even if it is not understood at the beginning why we dedicate ourselves to science, we must continue without taking a step back or to gather momentum. We must be more resilient in the face of obstacles. If they label us as weird, uncompromising, or rebellious (even though they recognize that we are meritorious, admired, and respected), we should take it as encouragement to continue with more strength.’’
Yvonne Arias – Executive Director, Grupo Jaragua (Dominican Republic).
