At African People & Wildlife (APW), we're dedicated to nurturing the next generation of conservation leaders—and that means supporting incredible women who are passionate about protecting Tanzania's natural heritage. Our African Women in Conservation mentorship program gives young Tanzanian women the chance to roll up their sleeves, build practical skills, and make a real difference in conservation.
This latest group of mentees is one of two supported by the Wildlife Conservation Network's WISE Fund (Women's Initiative for Sustainability and Empowerment), with another cohort starting in early 2025. Each woman brings her own unique perspective and energy, but they're united by a shared commitment to conservation and community. During their mentorship, they'll work across APW's key program areas—from preventing human-wildlife conflict to managing rangelands, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and educating young people about the environment.
Meet the Current Cohort
Raynolda Joseph
My name is Raynolda Peter Joseph, I am 25 years old, and I come from Dodoma, Tanzania. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Veterinary Medicine from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), where I graduated in 2024.
What motivated me to apply for this mentorship program is my deep passion for conservation and love for nature. I have always wanted to be part of the environmentalist community working to preserve nature for future generations. Additionally, I am eager for personal and professional growth.
By joining this mentorship program, I aim to gain confidence and expand my knowledge of conservation activities. Living close to the community will allow me to connect with individuals who can support me in reaching my professional goals. Above all, I aspire to be a part of the community and a good conservation ambassador.
Teddy Msafiri
My name is Teddy Msafiri, and I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management from the College of African Wildlife Management, Mweka. I’ve always been passionate about wildlife and ecosystems, and my education and work experience have helped to shape my desire to contribute to conservation efforts in Tanzania.
Traditionally, conservation has been a male-dominated field, and I am motivated by the need to see more women involved in this critical work. This inspired me to apply for this mentorship program, as I believe diversity and inclusion are essential for creating innovative solutions to today’s environmental challenges. This program provides a unique opportunity to learn from women leaders in conservation and to understand the specific challenges and opportunities faced by women in this field.
As someone committed to conservation, I want to be part of a movement that promotes gender equality and recognizes the vital role women play in protecting our natural heritage. Furthermore, I am passionate about ensuring conservation initiatives benefit people, especially those dependent on natural resources for their livelihoods.
Sikoi Rosio
My name is Sikoi Rosio Mongoet. I am a Noloholo Environmental Club alumna and hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Rangeland Management from Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA). I am proud to be the first woman from my village to achieve a university education. Coming from a pastoral community, I am deeply connected to the land and its preservation.
I was motivated to apply for this program because I am passionate about conserving and protecting the beauty of nature. This program will provide me with hands-on experience in the field of conservation and help me develop the skills necessary to be an effective conservationist.
My goals for this mentorship period are to gain expertise in avoiding, minimizing, and restoring environmental degradation, as well as to educate my community on the importance of conservation and how it can improve their lives.
Esther Lerina
My name is Esther Paul Lerina, and I am a 25-year-old from Longido, Tanzania. I come from a pastoral community where herding and breeding livestock are central to livelihoods. I hold a diploma in Community Development from CDTI Monduli and a Bachelor’s degree in Project Planning and Management. I also have a strong passion for community-based conservation.
I am extremely excited to join the team as a Women in Conservation mentee. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my values and career aspirations. I am eager to learn from experienced program officers and apply my knowledge and skills to support their critical work. Most importantly, it will connect me with an inspiring network of African women conservationists dedicated to making a difference in their communities.
Through this experience, I aim to deepen my understanding of community-based conservation approaches and develop practical skills to become an effective conservation practitioner.
Why This Matters
In Tanzania, women play a critical yet often overlooked role in environmental stewardship. Despite facing significant barriers, women are increasingly proving to be key drivers of sustainable conservation strategies. In rural communities, women are typically the primary managers of natural resources, making critical decisions about water, fuel, and land use that directly impact ecosystem health.
Our mentorship program is more than just a professional opportunity—it's a strategic investment in Tanzania's environmental future. By supporting women like Raynolda, Teddy, Sikoi, and Esther, we're:
- Breaking down systemic barriers in conservation leadership
- Creating role models for young girls in scientific and environmental fields
- Developing holistic conservation strategies that consider community perspectives
- Strengthening local resilience by empowering women as environmental decision-makers
Investing in women conservationists is not just protecting wildlife. It means building a more sustainable, equitable future where human communities and natural environments can thrive together.
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