The Gorilla Organization has been featured in National Geographic Traveller (UK), one of the world’s leading travel publications. The piece…
Celebrating the Women Transforming Communities this International Women’s Day
On 8th March, International Women’s Day, we celebrate the extraordinary women who are helping transform communities across Central Africa and playing a key role in gorilla conservation.
From left to right in this photo are Phiona, Brenda, Regina and Aphia – just a few of the remarkable women who make up the The Gorilla Organization team.
These women play vital roles across our programmes in Central Africa. From running the office and managing accounts to leading agricultural projects and supporting reformed poachers as they build new livelihoods, they are central to the work we do.
But their impact goes far beyond their official roles. They are leaders in their communities, setting an example for other women and girls and inspiring the next generatin. Most of the farmers we work with are women, and the income they earn helps send children to school, support families and build more secure futures.
Across the communities surrounding gorilla habitats, women are helping drive long-term economic development and creating opportunities where there were once very few.
From one hive to a thriving business
One inspiring example comes from a woman who joined our beekeeping programme.
She began with just one beehive on her land. After attending training sessions and learning new skills, she started multiplying her hives. Today, she has nine hives, producing honey that she can sell for income. With the money she earned, she was able to buy a goat and pay for her children to attend school. What began as a single hive has grown into a small business, and she has become a role model for other women in her community.
Women supporting women
With every initiative that The Gorilla Organization supports, from farming and conservation to craft and skills training, women are at the heart of strengthening their communities. However, in many parts of Africa, women and girls face disproportionately high levels of poverty and violence, particularly during times of conflict. Women are often expected to raise large families, work full time in the fields and maintain traditional domestic roles.
By empowering women to gain skills, generate income and build confidence, our programmes help create greater independence and opportunity. And as these women succeed, they lift up the communities around them.
This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the strength, leadership and determination of the women working every day to create a better future for their families, their communities, and for the gorillas who live alongside them.
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