When Constance was a young girl, she aspired to protect the African animals she loved so much. She will tell you she was quite shy and that she was not sure if young girls could be Rangers. Today, Constance(Connie) is not only a ranger who defends Kenya’s unique and wonderful wildlife, but also an inspiring leader and trainer for the rangers in her team at Wildlife Works, a community conservancy, but also in the wider community.
Thanks in part to Thin Green Line’s innovative LEAD Ranger program, and largely due Connie's own drive, she is also a trailblazer for other female rangers, graduating to be one of Africas first ISO accredited women trainers, whilst also acknowledging the many challenges that women often face when working in a male-dominated industry. Early in her career she was discouraged by some of her male colleagues who told her that being a ranger was “men’s work”, but Constance defiantly told them: “Let us try. We might be better than you!”
A proud LEAD Ranger Program graduate Connie is also proud to be part of a program that creates so many strong ranger leaders through its advanced training, development, and mentorship. Investment in women like Connie also means investment in social change. Women’s participation in sustainable employment improves the wellbeing of their families and communities and, when women are empowered and educated, they are more likely to assume leadership roles, and less likely to accept gender inequalities.
“I am very proud that I am a woman working in conservation, and I’m very proud that my sisters back at home, they can see me as a leader. They can talk boldly; they can do things that are considered men’s jobs.”
“Conservation is key to our future generations because, without all this, where will we go?”
The Thin Green Line Foundation provides tailored and direct support that improves the lives and working conditions of rangers protecting wildlife and diverse ecosystems. We also initiate and invest in game-changing programs like LEAD ranger that achieve wide-reaching impact for ranger operations and community conservation in the field
Through this work we increase community engagement in conservation, promote Indigenous and local knowledge within land management, improve the rights and recognition of rangers, and support conservation programs worldwide with direct action.
Whilst training, equipping and connecting rangers are the proactive direct support programs assisting rangers in the field, the Thin Green Line also supports the families of Fallen Rangers with over 150 rangers lost in the Line of duty each year.
LEAD Ranger: we support organisations on the leading edge of conservation
The ecosystems that balance our climate and make life on Earth possible are under extreme threat. Without sufficient action , we are destined to take thousands of species to extinction in this generation alone.
Park Rangers are nature's first responders. Their actions in protecting ecosystems - which inherently includes communities - are pivotal in turning the tide on extinction. LEAD Ranger is committed to supporting this global community of professional Rangers through high quality ISO accredited training programs that leave a legacy of Ranger trainers in the field.
Wildlife Works:
It is possible for wildlife and humans to thrive in harmony...when conservation solutions are led by forest communities.
Wildlife Works develops forest conservation projects in partnership with communities who are safeguarding the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.
