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Recognition of the role of women in the field of conservation biology and the advancement of the discipline globally are evident to all albeit African women are underrepresented. In realizing the low representation of women in conservation science, the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) Africa Section created the Young Women Conservation Biologist (YWCB) group as a vehicle to advance career opportunities for young African women in conservation science.
The Africa Section of SCB identified this gap not only because of its ethical implications but also for practical reasons: that biodiversity conservation is essential for the survival, development and prosperity of mankind in the 21st century and is being deprived of the vibrancy that would result from the inclusion of wider range of abilities, experiences, view points and working styles from African women.
With support from such initiatives, women can progress so far. Moreover, young women aspiring to become professionals in conservation science especially need encouragement, nurturing and an all-inclusive environment. The full range of talents, perspectives, experiences and skills of women scientists must be marshalled to advance conservation science as well as act as conduits for inspiring and teaching less formally educated sisters at the grassroots.
To ensure that women on the African continent are well-represented, coordination and support are needed. Supporting women in their careers by such means as grants and fellowships for education and research, as well as explicit recognition for outstanding achievements, advocating and enabling regional capacity building, and sustainability through programmes that engage women in science are uphill tasks that should carry the daily agenda.
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Significant progress has been made toward attaining gender equity in higher education, and in many countries women now form the majority of college students. Despite these impressive overall statistics, women students are still significantly underrepresented in science. Yet those who manage to take their careers to higher levels do not progress to practice. Organizations must encourage, support, and celebrate the contributions of women to scientific discovery and application. Briefly this will ensure more women representation, ensure access to mentorship, networks and initiatives that provide earmarked resources to women in launching their careers.
Changing the perception that women can and do become achievers in science, and that their numbers in these fields could one day reach parity with those of men, is an important part of the entire strategy relating to women for science careers. Women scientists and conservationists need to be featured in books and textbooks, newspaper articles, on television, and in other media outlets. Professional forums and public events should highlight women’s successes in conservation. Nothing spells success like an award. At present and in Africa especially, women receive few of science’s prestigious prizes and distinctions. This phenomenon derives in part from the fact that women in conservation science have been scarce.
The YWCB, through its annual Award programme, is dedicated to furthering these issues through networking, mentoring, and recognizing the contribution of outstanding women in conservation. The goal of the award is to empower more young African women to take up active roles in decision making in the conservation arena. In recognizing the importance of support and empowering women in conservation arenas, the YWCB group through the award is committed to supporting activities, research and advocacy that advances women’s roles within conservation.
The deadline to submit nominations and supporting materials for the 2016 YWCB Award is 15 June 2016. Click here to download the 2016 YWCB Nomination Form.