By Johnson Siamachira
Harare, (New Ziana) — Amid the golden glow of sunrise on the Zambezi River, Rachel Sibanda, a 30-year-old biodiversity ranger with the Great Plains Foundation, sets out for her daily patrol. Beneath the expansive African sky, she embodies a powerful shift in the narrative of wildlife conservation—one that champions women’s vital roles in protecting the environment. With poise and determination, Sibanda navigates the rugged terrain, a symbol of strength in a field often dominated by men.
Sibanda’s journey began not in the wild expanses of Zimbabwe, but in the confines of a classroom at Mushandike College of Wildlife Management,, now the Zimbabwe Institute of Wildlife Conservation in Masvingo. This is a paramilitary institution under ZimParks that trains rangers, officers, and wildlife managers for roles in conservation and security.
Here, her career compass shifted towards wildlife conservation. “I initially aimed for a career in tourism and hospitality,” Sibanda recalls. “But when I saw female rangers with firearms and purposeful strides, I realised where I belonged.” That moment sparked a fierce passion for conservation that would lead her to join the Great Plains Foundation as a ranger in 2022. Today, she dedicates her life to wildlife protection and community engagement, challenging the traditional gender roles that have long pervaded the field.
At Great Plains, the Female Biodiversity Rangers in Zimbabwe are leading the charge in restoring the once-depleted wilderness of the Sapi Safari Area — 118,000 hectares of land formerly used for hunting. Now, under the Sapi Rewild and Restoration Project in the Lower Zambezi-Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area ecosystem in the Mid-Zambezi Valley , life is returning, and these four women are doing incredible work to support that transformation. Trained in 2022 as part of the first cohort of female rangers in Zimbabwe, Sibanda and other women are protecting wildlife, promoting human-wildlife coexistence, serving as mentors, educators, first responders, and leaders in their communities. In collaboration with the ZimParks, the team has patrolled over 5,322 hours and covered over 20,671 kilometres.
In a country where men often dominate the conversation surrounding conservation, Sibanda faces unique trials. “Working in a male-dominated field means you have to prove yourself continuously,” she explained. “It’s not just about rising to the top; it’s about staying there.” The weight of expectation pushes female rangers to often work twice as hard as their male counterparts, yet Sibanda thrives on the challenge. “Each day, I strive to show that our achievements stem from hard work and commitment, not shortcuts,” she said, eyes shining with determination.
‘’Conservation is now my life’s work – and I know sustainable wildlife management helps protect wildlife and local people,’’ she says.
The role of rangers like Sibanda has evolved dramatically over the years. Her work garners recognition not only from peers but also from the communities they serve. “People are more engaged than ever in conservation,” she said. “Seeing this shift is rewarding—it shows our efforts are valued and inspire us all to keep moving forward.” It is a sentiment echoed across the African continent, where the call for inclusive conservation resonates louder than before.
Sibanda believes in community empowerment as a cornerstone of effective conservation. “We work alongside local communities to increase awareness,” she notes.
Sibanda adds: “For conservation measures to succeed, communities must be at the centre of development activities and be engaged in decision-making processes. Through kids’ camps and educational initiatives, we teach the importance of human–wildlife coexistence.” Her efforts are aimed at nurturing future protectors of the environment, inspiring the younger generation to cherish and safeguard nature. “When children see women engaged in these roles, they start to envision themselves as future conservationists,” she adds, emphasising the importance of visibility.
“When we talk about empowering rural communities, it’s not just about conservation,” said Sibanda. “It’s also about developing local skills and institutions to manage wildlife.”
As she prepared for the 21-kilometre World Female Ranger Week endurance run in June 2025, Sibanda drew parallels between physical challenges and her conservation work. “Endurance isn’t just about being physically fit but about having the right mindset,” she said. World Female Ranger Week is held annually from June 23rd to June 30th. The inaugural World Female Ranger Day was celebrated on June 23, 2021, and was expanded into a week-long event the following year.
“Whether I’m training or patrolling, it’s about resilience and teamwork,” Sibanda says. Her preparation involved a meticulous routine of exercise and mental conditioning, reflecting the grit needed for both her physical endeavours and her conservation efforts.
Every ranger needs a support system, especially women who face additional challenges. Sibanda calls for tailored programmes that address the unique barriers female rangers encounter.
Sibanda, mother to 11 year-old Takunda, says: “Maternity support, mentorship, and exposure opportunities are vital,” adding, “When women meet role models in conservation, it inspires them to strive for leadership positions.” Sibanda envisions a future where women not only participate in conservation but lead it.
Looking ahead, Sibanda dreams of a conservation landscape where everyone, regardless of gender, plays an active role. “I want to see healthier wildlife populations and a community where women hold leadership positions,” she said passionately. “For example, anti-poaching operations are no longer a men’s preserve, women can do it, too. Even with much precision. It’s crucial to inspire future generations, showing them that conservation is for everyone.” Her aspirations reflect a broader movement across Africa, seeking to dismantle gender barriers in a field that remains critical to the continent’s ecological stability.
As Sibanda concludes her patrols for the day, her commitment to both the wilderness and her community stands unwavering. She embodies a new generation of female conservationists in Zimbabwe, where the fight for gender equity in conservation takes on centre stage.
Together with her fellow rangers, she proves that women can be the driving force behind vital conservation efforts, inspiring change and securing the future of Zimbabwe’s rich biodiversity. ‘’Through our efforts, communities now understand that they can co-exist with wildlife.” Sibanda stresses.
’If Zimbabwean women rise, wildlife will thrive.’’
New Ziana