Women’s Month 2023 at the Cape Research Centre: “Let’s Talk Women in Conservation”
I think we are the most powerful beings in the world and that we should be given every opportunity. That is what we should be teaching these young girls, to take up space. Nothing is more important than taking up space in the society and submitting yourself.
– Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi’s powerful words set the tone for a momentous event that unfolded at the Cape Research Centre
On 25 August 2023, a first for the Cape Research Centre (CRC), 36 women gathered to honour Women’s Month in a unique way by bringing together Grade 9 Natural Science students from Hout Bay High School, and the dedicated Environmental Monitors and Field Rangers of Table Mountain National Park (TMNP). With representatives from different corners of SANParks, ten speakers shared their remarkable journeys. These women hailed from various roles including Scientific Services, Park Operations, Human Resources, Socio-Economic Transformation, Park Planning, as well as the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation. The aim of the event was to honour the remarkable women who work in the various divisions of SANParks at TMNP, ultimately inspiring and empowering the young learners by sharing their incredible stories and the hurdles they have faced in the realm of conservation.
Ice-breaker activity. Photo: Emma Wright
Several presenters at the event highlighted their experiences overcoming obstacles in their pursuit of a career in the human resource, conservation, and park operating sectors. For many women, the most difficult barrier was a lack of financial resources to pursue tertiary education. To pay for their studies, they had to look for bursaries, scholarships, grants, and part-time work.
These inspiring stories highlighted that financial constraints should not prevent one from pursuing their aspirations and that one must be willing to work tirelessly to unlock doors of opportunities. Speakers further highlighted the scarcity of career prospects and job opportunities in our current economic climate which can often be disheartening. However, all women and young girls were urged to persevere and look for opportunities, such as internships, volunteering at conservation organizations, and networking or job shadowing professionals. The stories shared during the event went beyond inspiration – they were soulful nourishment. Each speaker’s tale highlighted determination and resilience and their message echoed loud and clear: chase your passions, hold onto your dreams, and overcome life’s challenges with courage.
TMNP Park Manager Megan Taplin talks about her journey in conservation. Photo: Natasha Wilson.
Park Planning Intern, Sinoyolo Nama, talks about her journey in conservation. Photo: Natasha Wilson.
We realized that not every young girl may have had the opportunity to visit the Two Oceans Aquarium. Therefore, we invited the Two Oceans Aquarium Foundation to share a virtual tour of the incredible diversity of marine life found in the two oceans of southern Africa. The girls were excited to see the shark gallery, seahorses, jellyfish, and unique kelp forests. As a token of appreciation, we gifted the girls with a personal care package that was generously donated by colleagues at the CRC.
Participants intrigued by some of the stories being shared. Photo: Natasha Wilson.
Reflecting on this day, we are reminded that empowering women is an ongoing journey. The Cape Research Centre’s event will continue to ignite change in the hearts of all who were present, echoing its impact for years to come. We hope that this event will encourage young girls who may be passionate about science, follow in the footsteps of these incredible women who are paving the way in the world of conservation.
Celebrating the end of an inspiring and eventful day. Photo: Susan Muhanelwa.
