Akashinga

Oops, I am twelve days late – but never mind. I had wanted to share this short documentary about Akashinga: The Brave Ones. 

National Geographic had released it on August 12, which is World Elephant Day. 

What’s special about it is that this is a real-life story about women’s empowerment. 

The Akashinga is made up of disadvantaged women, many of whom are survivors of domestic abuse or sexual assault. They patrol Zimbabwe’s 115-square-mile Phundundu Wildlife Area, managed by the International Anti-Poaching Foundation and protect not only elephants but other fauna as well. 

Currently, around 85 thousand elephants live in Zimbabwe. The dangers to these animals come not just from poachers directly but also from the cyanide and snare traps they leave behind. 

The Akashinga was founded by former Australian special forces soldier and anti-poaching figure Damien Mander (right) who favors a ‘community buy-in’ approach instead of a full-on armed assault against poachers. In other words, he believes that once a community understands the economic benefits of preserving wildlife, poaching will be eliminated peacefully. 

The IAPF plans to employ one thousand female rangers by 2025 in order to protect 20 nature preserves. The Akashinga program doesn’t just benefit nature, though: it’s also a way for women to rebuild their lives, be empowered, and become leaders of their communities.

 

There is no limit to what women can accomplish.