Celebrating the remarkable women within the BirdLife Partnership (Part 2)

Today we are celebrating remarkable women, nominated by the BirdLife Partnership in recognition of their leadership, dedication and passion for conserving nature. The path they have chosen has been challenging, often working in male-dominated environments and cultures. Yet, the empowerment of women and girls in science is vital to combat the biodiversity and climate crisis.  

As described by UN Women, the climate crisis is not ‘gender neutral’: women are and will be disproportionately impacted if we don’t stop the escalation of the crises. The reality is that science needs women, as much as women need science. We need a diversity of voices, experiences and backgrounds to create the innovative, sustainable solutions that will ensure a world where all life can thrive.  

These are stories of women across the BirdLife Partnership who have led the way to ensure that female voices and perspectives are firmly entrenched in the conservation of nature. 

Miliana Ravuso, Project Manager for Pacific Islands Restoration Programme, BirdLife International 

“As the Project Manager for the Islands Restoration Programme in the Pacific, I work closely with regional partners to implement impactful biodiversity initiatives, with a focus on invasive species management. This crucial work is designed to restore and enhance ecosystem resilience in island environments, not only to protect native bird species and biodiversity, but also to promote the social and environmental well-being of local communities and indigenous peoples.  

My passion for pursuing a career in science was sparked by my deep connection to nature and my curiosity as a child. Growing up, I loved spending time in my village, where I was always surrounded by forests, plantations and freshwater streams. This fuelled my desire to pursue a path where I could understand how people interact with the environment. It wasn’t until I joined BirdLife International almost 20 years ago that I found my passion for birds and biodiversity. The opportunity to work in BirdLife with like-minded professionals has been incredibly fulfilling. My dedication to the work that I do continues to grow as I understand the threats to our birds and biodiversity, and I can witness the positive impacts of our work on both the environment and communities. 

As a woman in science, I’ve encountered both challenges and opportunities that have shaped the way I work in this space. I’ve learned to embrace resilience and foster collaboration, particularly within local communities. With the growing recognition of diversity in science and the increasing support for women doing conservation and environmental work, I would encourage young women, particularly Pacific women to pursue their passions in science and conservation. Science is for everyone, regardless of gender. And follow your curiosity, if you’re curious about how things work or why things happen, pursue that interest. Curiosity is the foundation of discovery!” 

Science is for everyone, regardless of gender. And follow your curiosity, if you’re curious about how things work or why things happen, pursue that interest. Curiosity is the foundation of discovery! – Miliana Ravuso

Women excel just as much as men in some conservation activities, so don’t give up just because you’re a girl!  – Khaing Swe War  

Khaing Swe War, Biodiversity Conservation Officer, Biodiversity and Nature Conservation Association 

“When we were young, the internet was not as widespread as it is today. There was a TV channel that aired a weekly program called ‘Discovery‘, which focused on wildlife ecology. It inspired me to start thinking about how we could save wildlife and what kind of conservation efforts could be implemented.  

Our country is developing, and in many such countries, careers in conservation are often perceived as male-dominated – particularly in fields requiring physical fieldwork. I’ve always been confident in my gender. However, due to the perceptions of women in our country, there are some areas where it is difficult for women to be involved, such as in matters related to communication. In an environment where many people lack awareness of conservation, women may not view it as a viable career path simply because it is not widely recognised or prioritised. However, this perception is gradually changing. As awareness of conservation issues increases, more opportunities may arise for both women and men to pursue careers in this field, and women’s involvement may continue to grow. 

Now I have the opportunity to learn about conservation and related work. I share this knowledge with the younger generation in my community. Additionally, working on project sites allows me to observe and research wildlife species up close, which has become a source of great pride for me.  

I believe that sharing inspiring stories of women in conservation is really important to motivate them to sign up for youth clubs, workshops, or summer camps that focus on environmental awareness. Encouraging them to start small environmental projects, such as a school garden, bird-watching activity, tree planting, or trash clean-ups, is also another great way in. Women excel just as much as men in some conservation activities, so don’t give up just because you’re a girl!” 

Yanira Cifuentes, Biologist, Asociación Calidris

“For more than 25 years I have been researching the biology and ecology of birds. My main motivation to pursue a scientific career is my family and the privilege of being surrounded by nature. I coordinate several conservation and environmental education initiatives, from the Important Bird and Biodiversity Conservation Areas Programme to leading the group ‘Women as Agents of Change’. An initiative called ‘Wings of Rice’ has enabled me to establish a relationship between farmers and the conservation of biodiversity associated with rice fields as artificial wetlands. Furthermore, I developed the green seal “Bird-friendly rice” that allowed us from the Calidris Association to recognise, value and show the work of farming communities that cultivate in a sustainable way. 

As a woman in science, I have faced several challenges in a country where female scientists are rarely heard and considered in decision-making spaces.  However, these challenges have allowed me to value my role as a woman and promote this empowerment with women who conduct science from home and are often invisible.  My experience of working as a woman of science began in my undergraduate studies when I applied to become an environmental educator and museum guide. I realized that I had to create spaces for girls and young people to participate without feeling ashamed to expose their knowledge. Although more than 20 years have passed since I started my work experience, every day I continue to learn; now we talk about equity and equality associated with gender and women’s empowerment. This is the beauty of being a woman of science; we are always open to learning.   

As a woman in science, I can say that being a scientist is something that fills the heart and soul; it enriches you as a person. We awaken a deep connection that goes beyond the tangible. If a woman wants to be a scientist, I can only tell her: “Go ahead, it is worth it, you will discover many things, and you will have the privilege of seeing life in a different way, in an almost magical way’. “

I can say that being a scientist is something that fills the heart and soul; it enriches you as a person. – Yanira Cifuentes

I was initially drawn to fieldwork, but finding opportunities to gain field experience while staying safe was not easy. – Lucy Haskell

Lucy Haskell, Science Officer, BirdLife International

“My work at BirdLife focuses on synthesising and communicating the Partnership’s science to a range of audiences, such as decision-makers and conservation practitioners. I lead the development of the State of the World’s Birds report and manage the BirdLife DataZone website, as well as providing technical expertise in support of the wider Science Division.  

Growing up in the British countryside, wildlife was always a big part of my life. I spent countless hours at the local nature reserve, learning from other birdwatchers and eventually becoming a volunteer. At school, I quickly discovered that I was no good at languages, history or geography (and let’s not even mention sports!), but I had a natural aptitude for science and maths. So, when the time came to choose a career path, conservation science seemed an obvious choice. 

I soon learned that being a woman pursuing a career in science came with its own set of challenges. I was initially drawn to fieldwork, but finding opportunities to gain field experience while staying safe was not easy. I often found myself working alone or with men I had only just met in remote locations, and had to continually push myself outside of my comfort zone. I found I had to make more of an effort to make my voice heard than my male counterparts, experienced sexist comments, and to this day I struggle with imposter syndrome.  

But despite these struggles, I persevered. I eventually found a job where I could put my skills to use whilst feeling safe, heard and respected. My advice to any girls thinking of pursuing a career in science would be don’t give up! It won’t always be easy, but remember that you have just as much right to do this as anyone else, and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself and others.“