Empowering Women as Champions of Conservation

Women in Rubanda and Kisoro districts are stepping into leadership roles in environmental conservation, thanks to a women’s empowerment training under the AfricElle Project.

The AfricElle Project, coordinated by NABU and implemented through BirdLife partners in six African countries, places women at the centre of biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and climate resilience. In Uganda, the initiative is led and implemented by NatureUganda and focuses on communities around Echuya Forest Reserve, where forest conservation is closely linked to household well-being.

In July 2025, AfricElle held its first structured women’s empowerment training, drawing 150 participants—75% women and 25% men—from six profiled community groups. The training sessions focused on leadership skills, confidence building, and active participation in decision-making processes related to environmental conservation.

One of the major highlights was the election of five women champions, one from each group, who have since received advanced leadership training. These champions are now mobilizing their peers, ensuring that women’s voices are no-longer on the sidelines of conservation discussions.

The training also linked leadership with practical livelihood opportunities. Over 100 women have received training in modern beekeeping training, including honey harvesting, and post-harvest handling. For many women, this was their first exposure to income-generating activities tied directly to conservation. Beekeeping has proven to be more than just an enterprise—it motivates communities to protect the forests that sustain bees and produce high-quality honey.

The empowerment training is already shifting community perceptions about women in leadership. District officials, local leaders, and community forest management associations who attended the sessions have expressed support for greater women’s participation in conservation decision-making. Women who were previously hesitant to take leadership roles are now stepping forward with confidence.

AfricElle will continue to expand training programs to include financial literacy, enterprise management, and advocacy skills. These sessions will equip women not only to run successful environmentally friendly businesses but also to influence policies that impact natural resources in their communities.

NatureUganda extends its sincere appreciation to NABU for funding the AfricElle Project and making these transformative trainings possible. By investing in women, NABU is investing in stronger communities and healthier ecosystems.