October, 16, 2026. “Equality is not a dream; it is a duty.” Ban Ki-moon, former UN Secretary-General
For conservancies, fulfilling that duty starts with creating an inclusive environment where women are actively considered for leadership roles. This week, TTWCA brought together 30 women from eight locations across Bura Conservancy for a three-day training that laid the foundation for a conservancy-level women’s forum. Through the forum, the women can organize, grow as leaders, and take an active role in natural resource management and conservation.
Over the three days, they explored different leadership styles, strengthened their advocacy skills, and learned how to build meaningful women’s engagement and inclusion in conservation.
They then turned those lessons into action by establishing a governance structure and electing their leaders to take the mantle of leading the Bura Women’s Forum.
With the forum established and its leaders in place, the women are looking forward to presenting two clear asks to the conservancy board:
Women on the board. Conservancies make stronger decisions when women are part of the leadership, because they are central to how communities use and care for natural resources.
A conservancy’s constitution that includes women. Inclusion should be written into the conservancy’s laws so that it endures beyond any single leadership term.
From training to organising, and from organising to advocacy, the women of Bura are shaping community-led governance that can help conservation endure. When women are equipped, organised, and represented at the decision-making table, the entire conservation effort becomes stronger.