Every August in South Africa is recognized as Women’s Month which serves to celebrate the important contributions that women make to the African continent as a whole.
African women are known for their can-do attitudes and ability to make the best of situations that put them to the test. If there’s one group of women who illustrate this perfectly, it’s Zimbabwe’s Akashinga Patrol.
Changing Perceptions
Like most African countries, Zimbabwe has a poaching problem. Impoverished locals turn to killing wildlife as one of the only ways to make money or feed themselves in a country where unemployment is commonplace, and poverty is rife. Many feel they have a right to continue the hunting traditions of their forefathers and haven’t yet realized the importance of conservation.
This is the background against which Akashinga, meaning ‘the brave ones’ in the local Tsonga language, was formed. The man behind the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), Australian-born Damien Mander, is no stranger to conflict, having served in the special forces in Iraq. He’s been training game rangers in Africa for over a decade.
Empowering Local Women
Now, he’s harnessing the power of the people to get through to the people. Akashinga employs only local residents from the areas surrounding the stomping grounds of this team, Zimbabwe’s Phundundu Wildlife Area.
Mander favors female anti-poaching units as he finds them better at diffusing potentially violent situations and less likely to accept bribes. Make no mistake, although his team can turn on the charm when needed, they’re tough customers when it comes to dealing with conservation crimes.
Most of the team consists of women who have suffered trauma in their lives such as victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, as well as AIDS orphans. Since these women understand what it’s like to be exploited, they are perfect candidates for protecting wildlife from violence and exploitation. The role they play in conservation also helps to give them a sense of purpose and improved self-worth.
Akashinga on the Move
Under the leadership of Sgt. Vimbai Kumire, the Akashinga Patrol is actively involved in defending the elephants in this part of the Zambezi River ecosystem. They’re also constantly smoothing the waters in cases of human-wildlife conflict on the borders of the reserve. Although the ladies take a tough line when it comes to protecting their animals, they’re always available to educate and assist local villagers as needed.
In all their duties, the team works like a well-oiled machine, under the motto, “One in, all in.” There’s no place for heroes in this band of sisters. Their daily tasks include patrolling the bush in search of snares, which they dismantle, dealing with disgruntled local farmers and rooting out poachers, who are often heavily armed.
Interestingly, the Akashinga Patrol carries out all these strenuous tasks on a high calorie, strictly vegan diet, designed for them by Mander to show their total commitment to animal welfare and sustainable living.
Find Out More
Keep reading our blog for more interesting information about the latest successes in African conservation. Better still, become a part of the IAPF fundraising army by making a donation in support of their efforts, and get in touch to plan a southern African safari and see it all for yourself.
