CELEBRATING PERA!
The World Female Ranger Award Winners, spearheaded by international NGO, How Many Elephants, have been announced.
Real women, real stories and real impact; The World Female Ranger Awards give international recognition to female wildlife rangers who have shown exemplary service and commitment to conservation.
Founder of How Many Elephants, Holly Budge, launched the World Female Ranger Award in 2021 in
conjunction with her pioneering initiative, World Female Ranger Week (June 23-30th). Holly and her team have identified over 5500 female rangers around the world. Holly says, “This year we have multiple award categories and are delighted to give recognition to female rangers, plus providing grants sponsored by How Many Elephants. I have seen the tangible impact female rangers are making around the world, protecting wildlife, uplifting communities and empowering women. I salute all our award winners. Thank you for the vital work you are doing to protect wildlife.” Less than 11% of the global wildlife ranger workforce is female. With women being natural communicators, protectors and investing their earned income in their families, bringing gender equity into the workforce enhances community conservation efforts and relationships.
The inaugural World Female Ranger ‘Trailblazer’ Award winner is Pera Pinem from the Sumatran Ranger Project in Indonesia. Pera was the only female ranger in North Sumatra (and possibly Indonesia) for three years. Through her work, she protects Sumatran elephants, orangutans and tigers and is actively working with local communities to reduce human/wildlife conflict. To become a ranger, Pera had to go against her family and culture. It was not deemed acceptable for women to be working in the jungle, let alone sleeping besides a man they’re not married to or related to. Pera has experienced much prejudice due to her decision to become a ranger but in doing so, has paved the way for other women to become rangers. "Winning this award is something I’d never have imagined before. I am very happy and still can't believe this! I feel very blessed for the trust given to me. I am very proud to be a ranger"; says Pera.
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