Food & Drink
Celebrating female farmers
Soil Association’s Paige Tracey profiles three pioneering female farmers for International Women’s Day.
7 March 2025
Main image: Balule Nature Reserve, July 2019: Felicia Letang (age 31) is one of the longest-standing ‘Black Mambas’. Felecia has dedicated the last six years to the ongoing protection of wildlife within the borders of the reserve. Here she reflects on the morning’s ‘snare sweep’ at a watering hole frequented by many game species including the endangered White Rhino. Photo by Ilan Godfrey/Getty Images for Lumix.
Now in its fifth year, World Female Ranger Week (23-30 June) is highlighting the bold, trailblazing women who are protecting wildlife and wild spaces worldwide.
Less than 22% of the global wildlife ranger workforce is female. World Female Ranger Week (WFRW), founded by award-winning conservationist and adventurer Holly Budge, helps to amplify their voices and highlight their impact, while calling for greater gender equality in conservation.
The campaign has reached over 500 million people worldwide to date, and 2025 is set to go even bigger, with live events, media interviews and a new education programme for young conservationists.
‘These women are changing the narrative. They’re not only protecting wildlife – they’re lifting up communities, challenging gender norms and proving what’s possible.’
HOLLY BUDGE
Conservationist, adventurer & founder of WFRW
Female rangers are educators, protectors, breadwinners and, often, the first women in their families to earn a salary, own property or access higher education.
Yet many still face social stigma, workplace discrimination, safety risks and limited resources.
Studies show women often bring strong community engagement skills to conservation roles, invest more in their families and act as powerful role models, especially for girls.
‘World Female Ranger Week plays a vital role in raising awareness of female rangers and advancing gender equity in conservation.’
DR GLADYS KALEMA-ZIKUSOKA
WFRW ambassador
Here are just a few of the many female rangers currently serving as global voices from the front lines of conservation.
Indonesia: Pera Pinem
The first and only female ranger in North Sumatra for three years, Pera has faced cultural resistance, discrimination and danger – all while protecting Sumatran elephants, orangutans and tigers.
Kenya: Raabia Howa
Raabia’s vision is to transform the Tana Delta from a poaching hotspot into a safe living ecosphere for people and wildlife. She employs a team of 12 male rangers. To date, they have made several arrests and successful recoveries of weapons; however, they are finding that their security is under increasing threat.
India: Purnima Devi Barman
Founder of the 10,000-strong Hargila Army, Purnima has transformed the reputation of the endangered Greater Adjutant Stork – once viewed as a bad omen – into a symbol of cultural pride.
Zambia: Janet Sakala
Janet is a ranger/dog handler in the K9 Unit for Conservation South Luangwa. Sadly, when Janet was 15 years old, she lost both her parents and was no longer able to go to school. Becoming a ranger has enabled her to become the breadwinner and be able to support her relatives.
‘These women are fearless. I’ve seen how becoming a ranger empowers them to overcome poverty, protect biodiversity, and change lives, including their own. Our mission is to amplify their voices, identify their needs, and work towards tangible, lasting solutions.’
HOLLY BUDGE
Conservationist, adventurer & founder of WFRW
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