Uniting Women Around the World for Conservation
This January, we launched a groundbreaking initiative—the Women for Conservation Circle— and so far we’ve united 33 international organizations from 20 countries. This global movement is driven by a shared, holistic vision: uplifting women while protecting nature and endangered species on the IUCN Red List. As we enter a new year, the Circle is proving to be a beacon of collaboration, empowerment, and action in the fight to conserve our planet’s most vulnerable ecosystems.
The Circle operates through a monthly call, where organizations connect to exchange best practices, grant-writing strategies, and funding opportunities. Our first two calls in December and January set the stage for these powerful collaborations, enabling members to strengthen their networks and share their successes in empowering women to protect wildlife and biodiversity.
One key aspect of the initiative is for women-led organizations to present their work and initiatives, building a global grassroots network committed to conservation and social justice. It is also an opportunity for us to connect members to larger international platforms such as the United Nations Climate Change and Biodiversity Conferences, the Convention on Biological Diversity Women’s Caucus, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Empowering Women, Protecting Biodiversity
The Women for Conservation Circle is a diverse and inspiring group of partners from every corner of the globe, each working tirelessly to protect endangered species and their habitats while providing women with the tools and support they need to become leaders in their communities.
From Sierra Leone, Fridays for Future is training women in reforestation and chimpanzee conservation, spearheaded by Roseline. In Madagascar, Fanamby Association is empowering women forest guards to protect the iconic baobabs of the Alley of Baobabs under the leadership of Soary. In Nepal, Birds Nepal is working with schoolchildren on environmental education and providing sustainable livelihood opportunities to women through tailoring.
In Bolivia, Programa Jucumari combines Andean Bear conservation with promoting sustainable livelihoods for local women through traditional woven products, led by Andrea. Across Colombia, ProAves is monitoring endangered species and educating communities through a network of nature reserves, protecting the nation’s rich biodiversity.
Organizations such as HAkA Indonesia work with women to protect endangered species in Aceh’s Leuser Ecosystem. In Laos, Association Anoulak is working to protect the critically endangered saola through community education. Meanwhile, in Iraq, Leopards Beyond Borders is engaging local communities in Persian leopard protection efforts, led by Hana.
In Gabon, Nsombou Abalghe-Dzal Association (NADA) is empowering the Indigenous Fang and Kota peoples to conserve their ancestral forests. Elephants for Africa is promoting human-elephant coexistence in Botswana, and Alianza Gato Andino in Argentina is protecting the Andean mountain cat through sustainable living programs and environmental education.
Women from Rising Wildlife Leaders – Amazonia Program in the Amazon basin are uniting to protect biodiversity in their regions. In Kenya, She-Nature and Mugie Conservancy are empowering women in nature conservation, environmental education, and sustainable livelihoods.
Safeguarding Our Future
The Women for Conservation Circle is more than just a network—it’s a powerful movement for change. Every partner organization brings unique strengths, expertise, and passion to the table, but all share the same goal: to protect endangered species and ecosystems through community-driven conservation led by women.
We are working towards a future where women are the driving force in conservation, where their voices are heard, and where they have the resources and opportunities to lead. With each call, each partnership, and each collaboration, we’re bringing this vision closer to reality. Together, we can save our planet’s most vital ecosystems—and with your support, we can amplify the impact of this global movement.
Join us in supporting these incredible women and organizations as they create a more sustainable, equitable world for all.