Empowering Change: Damien Mander’s Work with Women in Conservation

Damien Mander, a former Special Forces soldier turned conservationist, is a prominent advocate for environmental protection and gender equity. Through his organization, the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), Mander has pioneered initiatives that not only protect wildlife but also empower women in some of the most vulnerable communities across Africa. His work demonstrates the transformative potential of aligning environmental conservation with social justice.

In 2017, Mander launched Akashinga (“The Brave Ones”), an all-female anti-poaching unit in Zimbabwe. The program was built on a simple yet radical idea: that women could be empowered as leaders in conservation while simultaneously transforming their lives and communities. Akashinga recruits women from disadvantaged backgrounds, including survivors of domestic abuse, single mothers, widows, and orphans. By giving these women access to training, employment, and leadership opportunities, the program fosters resilience and independence.

Mander’s approach diverges from traditional militarized conservation tactics. Rather than relying solely on force, the Akashinga model prioritizes community engagement and conflict resolution. The women are trained to de-escalate situations and work collaboratively with local communities, ensuring that conservation efforts are sustainable and inclusive.

Mander often highlights the unique strengths women bring to conservation. “Empowering women is the single greatest force for change in the world,” he states. Studies have shown that women reinvest up to 90% of their income into their families and communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change. By employing women as rangers, the Akashinga program not only protects wildlife but also uplifts entire communities.

The impact of this initiative is profound. Akashinga now protects millions of acres of land across Zimbabwe and has achieved significant reductions in poaching. Additionally, the women involved in the program have gained financial independence, improved self-esteem, and the ability to provide for their families.

Mander’s work challenges long-standing gender norms in conservation. Historically, the field has been male-dominated, with limited opportunities for women to take on leadership roles. Akashinga dismantles these barriers, proving that women can excel in physically demanding and high-risk roles traditionally reserved for men.

The success of the program has inspired similar initiatives worldwide. Mander’s vision of merging environmental protection with gender equity has sparked a global conversation about the importance of inclusivity in conservation efforts.

Damien Mander’s work underscores the interconnectedness of environmental sustainability and social justice. By empowering women, he has demonstrated that conservation is not just about protecting wildlife; it is about creating equitable opportunities and addressing systemic inequalities. His efforts remind us that true environmental progress requires the inclusion of all voices, particularly those historically marginalized.

As the world faces escalating environmental challenges, the Akashinga model offers a powerful blueprint for change. It shows that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but a practical solution to some of the most pressing issues of our time.

Mander’s legacy continues to grow, proving that when women are given the tools to lead, they become unstoppable forces for good—for their communities, for wildlife, and for the planet.