Heroes Among Us: Akashinga Rangers

Most people have never heard of this group of passionate, committed and hard-working women known as the Akashinga Rangers. But most people probably know what a poacher is and why endangered animals like elephants, need to be protected from them.

Meet the Akashinga Rangers:

This extraordinary group of women was founded in 2009 by Australian-born, and Zimbabwean-based environmentalist, Damien Mander. Since then 13.1 million acres are under their management, with areas seeing a 90% decline in elephant poaching. Akanshinga means “The Brave Ones” in Zimbabwe’s Shona language. They couldn’t have a better name. These women embody courage and bravery, putting their lives on the line every single day that they out in the bush to protect Africa’s wildlife, including elephants, leopards, rhinos and more. What started with only 16 has grown to be hundreds, with dreams of employing over 1000 women. 

And guess what? They don’t eat meat, or products that come from animals. This makes sense of course. Wouldn’t it be backwards for them to save some animals, only to eat others? They recognize the hypocrisy of that and align their values with their actions. From their website: “Africa’s first plant-based, all-women anti-poaching unit is revolutionizing the ways animals are protected, communities are supported, and wilderness landscapes are restored and safeguarded. We believe change happens when it’s community-led and who better to lead change within a community than the women that have been raised in them.” 

Before becoming an Akashinga Ranger, each woman takes an oath, in which she says, ” I vow to use my skills and training to protect these animals , to protect this land. In this mission, I’m prepared to give my life. This is my duty. I am Akashinga. I am a brave one.” 

I can’t think of a more courageous group of humans. May we all strive to be brave, and to speak for those who have no voices. May we all align our actions with our values as these women have done. May we all learn from these courageous women the value of community and dedication, and importantly, of taking action to protect the things we love.