Women in Conservation: Breaking Barriers in the Forest

At the Sumatran Ranger Project, we are proud to have four incredible women as part of our dedicated ranger team. This Female Ranger Week, we are sharing their stories.

Drawn by a deep love for nature and a strong sense of responsibility to protect wildlife, these women have chosen a path that not only challenges environmental threats but also defies traditional gender norms within their communities and culture.

In stepping into a field that is both male-dominated and culturally sensitive, they have risked criticism and social stigma simply for working alongside men in remote, rugged environments.

Yet, their commitment to conservation is unwavering. They do this work not because it is easy, but because it matters, because they are just as passionate and capable as their male counterparts when it comes to safeguarding the forest border.

These women are pioneers, the first and only female rangers in their communities, and we hope their courage inspires greater inclusion and opportunity for other women and future generations who wish to follow in their footsteps.

Their visibility is vital. It is not only the work they do that is important, but also the fact that they are seen, heard, and celebrated for doing it, despite the many challenges they face.

Peranita Pinem: Finding My Path in the Forest

Peranita Pinem is a trailblazing female ranger with the Sumatran Ranger Project. She began her journey with the project in November 2018 as an administrative staff member, managing patrol supplies, distributing food and equipment, and compiling field reports for supporters. Watching the rangers in the field through these reports sparked her curiosity and passion. This led her to make a bold choice, becoming the first female ranger not only at the Sumatran Ranger Project but also in North Sumatra.

Before joining, Peranita had no experience as a ranger, and the path wasn’t easy. Challenging long-standing social norms meant facing criticism from her community and even concerns from her own family, who worried about the dangers of spending weeks at a time in the forest with mostly men.

But Peranita’s resolve was clear: this was her calling.

“I’m proud to be part of a movement for a more equitable and biodiverse future, not just for women, but for everyone,” she says.

One of her most unforgettable experiences came in 2021 during a human-wildlife conflict involving a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sumatrae). The team, including Peranita, worked through the night alongside national park rangers to prevent the tiger from consuming poisoned livestock, a dangerous and critical mission that tested her courage and determination.

Today, Peranita is no longer alone as a female ranger. She works alongside three other remarkable women, along with nine male colleagues, sharing the same responsibilities and challenges. Their presence strengthens the team, especially in community engagement and conflict resolution, where women often bring unique communication strengths.

Together, these women are breaking barriers and building a stronger, more inclusive future for conservation in Sumatra.

Vera Kacaribu: Protecting Wildlife, Empowering Change

Vera Kacaribu is one of the inspiring female rangers within the Sumatran Ranger Project, a vital initiative working on the frontlines of wildlife and forest protection in northern Sumatra. Before joining the team, Vera spent several years working as a babysitter in Jakarta. For nearly three years, she supported herself in the bustling capital before an opportunity arose that would change her path entirely.

Jason, Head Ranger, invited Vera to join the team as one of its first female rangers. Since joining, Vera has found a deep connection to the rainforest and the wildlife she helps protect.

“What I love most about being in the forest is being able to see animals in their natural habitat - Sumatran elephants (Elephas maximus sumatranus), Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii), Sumatran clouded leopards (Neofelis diardi diardi), and many others. It’s an incredible experience to witness them up close and to be surrounded by the unspoiled beauty and fresh air of the forest."

Even during long patrols, Vera finds joy in the little things, especially her favourite meals in the field: pakis (forest ferns) and daun mismis, a local edible leaf.  Her story exemplifies how opportunities in conservation can empower women, transform lives, and strengthen the protection of Sumatra’s irreplaceable wildlife.

Elianta Sitepu: From Homemaker to Forest Protector

Elianta Sitepu is a proud member of the Sumatran Ranger Project, where she serves as one of the team’s dedicated female rangers. She has four children and, before joining the project, was a full-time homemaker, supporting her husband by managing their household and assisting with work.

Her journey into conservation began when she joined the Sumatra Ranger Project community—a decision that brought new purpose and connection to the natural world.

Today, Elianta patrols some of the most critical rainforest habitats in Northern Sumatra, playing a hands-on role in protecting endangered species and deterring illegal activity.

“What I love most about being in the forest is seeing wildlife in its natural environment—wild boars (Sus scrofa), Sumatran orangutans (Pongo abelii), Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus malayanus), snake species, and many others. It’s a privilege to witness these animals living freely in the wild.”

Even during long patrols, Elianta enjoys forest life. Her favorite meals in the field include debok pisang (banana stem), jantung pisang (banana blossom), and daun ubi (cassava leaves), traditional foods that connect her to the land she helps protect.

Elianta’s story is a testament to how the Sumatra Ranger Project creates opportunities for women to lead in conservation while fostering a deeper respect for nature and community.

Rina PA: Carrying the Torch of Conservation

Rina PA is the newest female ranger to join the Sumatran Ranger Project, and her journey into conservation carries deep personal meaning. She is the wife of the late ranger Serasi, a valued and respected member of the team who passed away recently.

In stepping into this role, Rina honors his legacy while forging her own path in protecting the forests and wildlife of Sumatra. As a mother of four, Rina’s dedication to conservation is rooted in the hopes that the forests remain protected and the animals that live within them are safeguarded from extinction.

Her commitment is driven by a desire to ensure a better, wilder world for future generations, including her own children.

Before becoming a ranger, Rina made a living doing kerja serabutan (odd jobs), working wherever she could to support her family.

Now, as a ranger, she plays an active role in defending one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. Her presence on the team is a powerful symbol of resilience, courage, and continuity.

Rina is not only protecting what her husband once helped to defend, she is also helping shape a new, more inclusive chapter in the ongoing story of conservation in Sumatra.