Women for Conservation
Women for conservation is a networking platform created by three passionate ladies in conservation. Sarah Davies, Luwi Nguluka and Bwalya Chibwe had in mind the lack of women in Zambian conservation when creating this platform. This is not to say there are no women working in conservation in Zambia but rather that they are very few. A reason for this could be that the nature of the job is a tad demanding. Most of these jobs are in remote areas and require working over long periods of time outdoors.
This platform was created to avail networking opportunities to women and men interested in working in or already working in conservation. To attest to the public that anyone can work in conservation without necessarily working outdoors all the time or in remote areas. This has provided a safe space for women and men working in and outside conservation to meet and get to know one another better at the quarterly meetings held.
These quarterly meeting are always educational, insightful and exciting. The last three events looked something like this;
A Nature walk in Forest reserve 27 with Quentin Allen
This walk was facilitated by Quentin Allen who is a visual storyteller that stays near the forest and is no stranger to the reserve and conservation. It was a perfect time to get people closer to the reserve in order to better understand the ecological services it offers and why we should conserve it.
Game meat Grilling with Tecla Ngwenya
We ended 2019 on a high note with a Legal gamemeat braai that focused on sensitizing the attendants on the illegalities and dangers of bushmeat. The guest speaker of the event -Ms Tecla, is a global award winner of leadership in tourism with about 19 years’ experience in the hospitality and game ranching industry. The Bushmeat campaign “This Is Not a Game” (www.thisisnotagame.info ) was presented and so was the variety of legal game meat going round.
Drinks and Networking with Chaona Phiri and Chanda Mwale
A deep dive into soft skills as a topic of discussion by two ladies ascending ranks in challenging conservation fields. Chaona Phiri is Bird watch Zambia’s programs manager and Chanda Mwale is Worldwide fund for Nature’s water stewardship manager. The ladies discussed soft skills necessary in any workplace and how to acquire them as they are not taught in classroom set ups. The outdoor event was an amazing opportunity for students and graduates to learn a thing or two
So next time you are looking to network with Conservationists and like-minded people follow this link to the Women for Conservation Facebook page and RSVP for the upcoming event WomenForConservationZambia