Nairobi — More than 200 conservationists, tourism professionals, and community members took part in a Women's Day march in Nairobi to raise funds for underfunded conservation projects and support women in tourism and conservation.
Organized by Intrepid Travel through The Intrepid Foundation, the event highlighted the urgent need for investment in women-led initiatives, which play a crucial role in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism.
Intrepid Travel-East Africa Country General Manager Samuel Karani noted that despite women making up 54 percent of the global tourism workforce, they remain underrepresented in leadership roles and are often confined to lower-paying, informal positions.
"We realized that, in many ways, women face significant disadvantages. Women are at the forefront of environmental stewardship, yet they are consistently overlooked when it comes to funding and leadership opportunities," Karani said.
He further noted that less than 10 percent of global conservation funding is directed toward women-led initiatives, despite research showing that projects led by women achieve higher levels of community engagement and long-term success.
Angata Sales and Marketing Manager Gabriella Mambo confirmed that women account for less than 5 percent of rangers worldwide, while in Kenya, only 2 percent of conservation management roles are held by women.
"In the past, women were expected to stay at home, but today, especially in Maasai communities, many are actively engaged in beading and ornament-making," Mambo said.
"Supporting these women is essential because their earnings help educate their children, which ultimately benefits conservation. Financially empowering women enables them to support their families, and since education begins at home, the next generation grows up with a strong conservation and eco-tourism mindset."
Karani acknowledged the role of tourism in supporting conservation efforts, with many small, community-driven initiatives relying on tourism revenue.
"Tourism and conservation go hand in hand. Without thriving ecosystems, our wildlife-based tourism sector cannot flourish," Karani said.
"The funds raised from the march will support eco-tourism projects, community-led conservation programs, anti-poaching initiatives, and sustainable tourism infrastructure."
Patinaai Osim Executive Director Semerian Sankori acknowledged the significant impact of the initiative in transforming the lives of women in traditionally male-dominated communities.
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
"For the past two years, we have received support for our partnership programs, which we have named Patinaai Intrepid Empowerment Trends," Sankori said.
"Coming from a patriarchal community where women's rights are often disregarded, this partnership has been transformative. Today, we have a team of 15 women who are earning a stable income, empowering them economically and creating new opportunities for their future."
The march supported several organizations, including: East African Wildlife Society, which promotes sustainable conservation and anti-poaching programs, World Bicycle Relief, which provides bicycles to school-going children and health workers, Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project, which advocates for the fair treatment of porters, Gorilla Doctors, dedicated to conserving wild eastern gorillas through veterinary medicine, Patinaai Osim, which empowers Maasai women to create sustainable livelihoods.
The Intrepid Foundation is the non-profit arm of ntrepid Travel, founded in 2002, a global adventure tour company focused on sustainable tourism. The foundation has raised more than $18 million for over 160 community projects worldwide.
