By Steve El Sabai
Nairobi, Kenya, 28 April 2025 –
In a decisive effort to strengthen gender equity in conservation, Drew McVey, Country Director of WWF-Kenya, presided over the official launch of the ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ hygiene care initiative at Panda House, Karen, Nairobi. The launch, aligned with the global observance of the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, marks a significant milestone in advancing the dignity, health, and operational effectiveness of female rangers across Kenya.
Female community rangers play an indispensable role in protecting Kenya’s rich biodiversity. However, many of these women face acute challenges in the field, including lack of access to basic menstrual hygiene facilities, personal care resources, and adequate sanitation infrastructure. Operating in remote and rugged terrains, often under difficult and isolating conditions, female rangers have long been forced to manage critical health needs without the necessary support — compromising not only their well-being but also their ability to perform at their best.
Recognizing this gap, WWF-Kenya, in partnership with the Kenya Wildlife Conservancies Association (KWCA), developed the ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ initiative. This project provides female rangers with specially tailored hygiene care packs containing essential personal items, ensuring that health and dignity are no longer barriers to their critical work in conservation. The initiative directly responds to findings from a recent WWF-Kenya survey, which highlighted the urgent need to support the 271 female rangers serving across various conservancies.
The collaboration between WWF-Kenya and KWCA demonstrates the strength and necessity of strategic partnerships in tackling systemic issues within the conservation sector. By combining resources, expertise, and community outreach networks, the two organizations have developed a practical, scalable solution that empowers women while enhancing the resilience of conservation efforts.
The launch event brought together a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from conservation organizations, community leaders, and members of the media, all underscoring the collective commitment to safeguarding the rights and well-being of frontline conservation workers. Their presence signaled a unified acknowledgement that inclusive and supportive work environments are foundational to successful biodiversity protection.
Beyond addressing immediate personal needs, ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ sends a strong message about the value of female leadership in conservation. Empowered rangers are better equipped to patrol, protect, and advocate for Kenya’s natural resources, and initiatives like this one create the conditions for them to thrive.
The introduction of ‘Pochi Kipepeo’ not only elevates the status of women within the conservation workforce but also reaffirms WWF-Kenya and KWCA’s commitment to creating an environment where all rangers — regardless of gender — can serve with dignity, confidence, and pride.
