Meet The Women
Saving Africa's Wildlife.
Africa’s first plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit is revolutionising the ways animals are protected, communities are supported, and wilderness landscapes are restored and safeguarded.
We believe change happens when it’s community-led and who better to lead change within a community than the
women that have been raised in them.
Being an Akashinga Ranger is more than wildlife conservation and protection. These women are bringing income to their communities, creating green economies that have positive generational outcomes. Many of these women are purchasing property, building homes, and sending their children to school full time. They are also obtaining driver’s licenses, enrolling in college and finishing degrees.
"Since I joined the organisation, I have been relieved from the hardships that I faced before. Now we are living a better life as a family. I am now able to pay school fees for my kids and pay for my own things."
— Senzeni Munsaka, Akashinga Ranger
See how it all began.
Witness the training.
Experience the impact.
Watch the National Geographic film below.
Africa is perhaps known best for its biodiversity and the beauty of its animal species. Yet, many of those species — including elephants — are threatened, endangered or reaching near-extinction levels due to poaching.
What is the answer? The answer is Akashinga, an innovative and effective program that harnesses the power of the local community to combat poaching. Damien Mander — a former Australian special forces soldier — has fought against poaching for years. He founded Akashinga, a team of rangers made up entirely of women who stand up for African wildlife. As the rangers train and learn how to protect elephants, they become stewards of these animals while developing personal and financial security and empowering their communities.
Mander’s strategic approach doesn’t simply provide guns to stop poachers. Instead, it calls for community involvement and support. If communities could recognize the benefits of protecting and preserving animals and their habitats, poaching could die out without the need for armed confrontations.
Maria Wilehm directed the Akashinga documentary, AKASHINGA: THE BRAVE ONES. This animal conservation documentary explores the innovative program, the courageous women rangers and the noble animals they protect. Three-time Academy Award winner James Cameron executive produced this wildlife conservation documentary, which celebrates the affect that this program has on people, communities, wildlife and the environment. This short documentary is sure to impact everyone who views it.
The International Anti-Poaching Foundation embraces an innovative, effective approach to conservation that empowers women and communities while protecting wildlife and habitats. Learn more about our impact or make a donation today.
Equity And Empowerment.
The Akashinga Programme represents a genuinely effective approach that combines conservation efforts with the empowerment of women. This is a significant departure from previous instances across the African continent where women were often limited to specific roles in a frontline capacity without being given the opportunity to shoulder the entire responsibility themselves.
The programme aims to employ over 500 women as Akashinga Rangers, with a total workforce of 3,000+ across wilderness landscapes, and increased education rates, economic development, gender equity, and health and well-being in the communities with which we partner.
By placing women at the centre of our conservation strategy, Akashinga is not only making strides in protecting wildlife and natural resources but also creating a platform for the empowerment and development of women and communities. This innovative solution recognizes the potential and value that women bring to the field of conservation, and it aims to harness their skills, perspectives, and leadership to drive positive change. By doing so, Akashinga is not only challenging traditional gender roles but also promoting gender equality and opening new avenues for women to play a prominent role in conservation efforts across the African continent.
The inclusive and empowering approach of the Akashinga Programme has a proven transformative impact of uplifting communities, empowering women, and fostering sustainable conservation practices. It serves as an inspiring model that showcases the importance of gender equality, community engagement, and environmental stewardship in achieving broader societal and environmental goals.
