INSPIRING WOMEN SAVING THE WORLD

International Women’s Day is 8 March and this year’s theme is #ChooseToChallenge. At WWF-Australia, we have an incredible workforce of women working to make a positive impact not only in the Environmental and Conservation space but also in their daily lives.

We asked some of these women what #ChooseToChallenge means to them, how they got to where they are today, their proudest achievements and challenges, and their advice for other females wanting to work in Conservation.

Read on to be inspired!

Dr Romola Stewart

HEAD OF EVALUATION AND SCIENCE, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Dr Romola Stewart’s passion for connecting people with nature led her to study for a PhD at the University of Queensland where she wrote a thesis on marine parking planning. Now, as the Head of Evaluation and Science at WWF-Australia, she has the ‘perfect job’ of bringing together scientific and Traditional Knowledge to become a solutions focused organisation.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

Gender equality means building a culture where people feel safe to be seen for who they are. Our social and work environments are important in shaping our sense of self, so I believe we all have a role to play to ensure that civil society provides equal opportunity for all. My challenge is to drive positive change and embrace a gender-equal mindset.

What’s it like working in conservation as a woman?

I’ve had many positive female role models in the sciences and particularly in the natural sciences. I was really fortunate to do my postgraduate studies with an amazing group of women and I’m so proud of what they’ve achieved. I think women tend to underestimate their abilities. I hear a lot of women in the sciences talk about ‘imposter syndrome’ and doubting themselves. It's important to back yourself – don’t be afraid to step up because your contribution is an important one.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Be passionate, lead yourself and don’t feel you have to do everything this week!

Rosie Goslett-King

WOMEN RANGERS ENVIRONMENTAL NETWORK COORDINATOR, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Rosie started her career caring for Country as a volunteer bush regenerator. She studied Conservation and Land Management and became a ranger in the Illawarra region - an incredible opportunity that allowed her to move closer to her Yuin mob. Now, as WWF-Australia’s Women Rangers Environmental Coordinator, Rosie is working to advocate for the crucial role Indigenous women play in caring for Country.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

Throughout my career, I’ve challenged dated notions that ranger work or any outdoor fieldwork is better suited to males. Women rangers make up less than 25% of the Indigenous workforce, which means aspects of our role in caring for Country cannot be fulfilled, with IPAs making up 46% of Australia’s natural reserve system. This inequality is a loss for all Australians.

What’s it like working in the conservation space as a woman?

During my career, I’ve found myself in the minority as a woman, in both Indigenous and western spaces and companies. I’ve often been underestimated and felt the need to work twice as hard as the men in order to prove my worth. Although it’s been tiring, it has forced me to be courageous, resourceful, determined and able to reach my goals.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

The patriarchy – still working on it!

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Stand up for yourself, your rights and your opinions, seek to support and seek support from other women.

Anorah John

INNOVATION PROJECT SPECIALIST, WWF-AUSTRALIA

A self-confessed millennial who loves music, Anorah started her career at PwC in Financial Services Assurance. Since then, she’s been a finalist at several hackathons focused on tech for social and environmental impact. In 2017, she won WWF-Australia’s Future Cities Hackathon and now leads WWF’s Impactio - a tech platform enabling collaboration between impact ventures, subject matter experts and support.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

I’m reminded of my mother and grandmother, who in such different circumstances chose to challenge gender inequality. Having migrant parents, I had the privilege of watching them evolve and grow in this new environment. When people say that a change of mindset is just too difficult to achieve I challenge that and I challenge myself because of this transformation I’ve witnessed. It’s because of them that I’m here creating an impact through the work I do today. I hope to keep up that legacy of choosing to challenge and break some glass ceilings in the process.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was feeling like an imposter in many of the conversations that I was a part of. This nervousness emerged from not seeing many people that looked like me in the rooms that I was speaking at, or at the decision-making table. It’s really inspiring that this is starting to change, and across the industry we’re beginning to have conversations about the systemic nature of marginalisation and what we can do about it.

The way I overcame it was by acknowledging that my experiences are valid with their own set of challenges, and viewing what I do as a stepping stone for something much bigger than me as an individual.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Innovation space?

To women wondering whether to get more involved in this space - a diversity of being, opinion and voice are what’s going to help us solve the disruptive challenges that we have today. It’s a nuanced understanding of the complex systemic issues and collaboration that's going to create the accelerated progress that we need.

We live in a unique time. Pivotal conversations are being had at scale in different ways around the world. I’d encourage you to jump into the conversations, catch the wave and ride it.

Dr Rochelle Steven

SPECIES CONSERVATION PROJECT COORDINATOR, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Dr Rochelle Steven studied a BSc in Ecology and Conservation Biology at Griffith University, where she continued in a PhD in Birdwatching Tourism and Conservation. Before working in conservation, she had a decade-long career in sales and retail. Her multidisciplinary background has given her an edge in helping to raise the profile of conservation. As WWF-Australia’s Species Conservation Project Coordinator in Southwest Australia, she’s working to protect Australia’s unique biodiversity.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

The main gender bias I’ve challenged is to choose to not have children, which many still see as the ultimate achievement and contribution a woman can make to society. In fact, choosing to not have them is the ultimate contribution one can make to the conservation of biodiversity!

What’s it like working in conservation as a woman?

One of the areas I’m most passionate about is sharing my love of nature with as many people as possible! Whether that be via radio or public speaking engagements, it’s wonderful to be able to tell exciting stories about the unique flora and fauna of Australia. As a woman, I think our nurturing and sometimes emotional manner makes us especially well placed to tell those stories and connect with an audience in a deeply engaging way. It doesn’t always make for an effective message when it’s embedded in a negative or science-heavy tone.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Don’t be afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve when you’re trying to connect with people about the environment. By the same token, don’t be so overly emotional that you lose an opportunity to deliver factual evidence-based information, but aim to share in a way that showcases your passion and enthusiasm for nature. Work hard, take every opportunity to learn and find ways to tell stories about what you’ve learned to as many people as possible – even if it’s just telling your barista about a wasp that tries to mate with an orchid! That stuff is so cool!

Katinka Day

NO PLASTICS IN NATURE POLICY MANAGER, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Katinka’s strong background in advocacy has seen her work across a range of issues to keep companies accountable and ensure government policy fairly accounts for the needs of all people, animals and the environment. As WWF-Australia’s No Plastics in Nature Policy Manager, she is urging governments to take action on plastic pollution.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

The theme #ChooseToChallenge is all about speaking up, not just those who experience disadvantage but those who privilege from advantage. Discrimination can be subtle, making it harder to call out so today it’s about being aware of this and asking yourself what more you could do. As someone who benefits from privilege in many aspects of my life, I think it’s really important to acknowledge this and ask myself how I can better promote a diversity of women’s voices.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

Early in my career when I worked in the corporate sector I felt that I was predominately judged on my gender and age. I also witnessed many instances of female managers being treated differently which set a negative expectation for what it was like to work in this field as a woman. I ultimately left the corporate world but I think it’s really sad that there are still work environments where women don’t have the confidence and aren’t treated fairly or safely. This has to urgently change if we are going to address gender bias and inequality in the workplace.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Passion is so important. If you want to work in this space, then demonstrating why you want to work in the industry is very important. If you’re coming from a different sector, that’s great as diversity of experience is really valued but if you can also demonstrate that you’ve volunteered in this space or have a genuine interest in the outcomes you are trying to pursue, I think that always sets people apart.

Dr Kita Ashman

THREATENED SPECIES AND CLIMATE ADAPTATION ECOLOGIST, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Dr Kita Ashman has a background in spatial dynamics and threatened species recovery and management. She studied wildlife and conservation biology as an undergrad, did an honours degree in evolutionary biology (on moths!) and a PhD in wildlife ecology focusing on koala spatial dynamics. Her expertise brings a wealth of knowledge to WWF-Australia in helping threatened species management.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

#ChooseToChallenge means challenging the way we think, the way we act and the way we treat each other. It’s about challenging ourselves and those around us to do better and to actively work at shifting the usual narrative towards a more inclusive and fairer one.

I’ve chosen to challenge gender bias and inequality by increasing my understanding of the issues faced by women and by giving back where I can. This means reading powerful and eye-opening books, sparking new conversations with friends and family, and supporting a charity that focuses on addressing girl’s and women’s inequality.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman? How did you overcome it?

I moved out of home at a pretty young age because of domestic violence. As a young woman with a few years of high school left to complete, it was pretty challenging to take the first step towards getting myself into a better living situation but I’m so glad I did. The experience taught me very quickly how to be self-sufficient, it gave me a great level of resilience and taught me the importance of seeking out support when I needed it. I think I got through the experience by backing myself, working hard to stay academically and financially afloat, and from an incredible amount of support from a few hard-working women in my life.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

In the conservation space, my experience has been that it’s about 50/50 qualifications and connections. Starting out, what that meant for me was getting the pieces of paper and experience I needed to be able to work in-the-field, but also volunteering a lot and being open to relevant side gigs to build a network of connections within the Conservation space. I genuinely believe that if you set your heart and mind on achieving something, the list of things you won’t be able to achieve is actually pretty short. So believe in yourself, work hard, connect widely and most importantly, enjoy yourself.

Tanya Pritchard

LANDSCAPE RESTORATION PROJECT MANAGER, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Growing up in the country, Tanya has always had a love for the natural world. She studied Environmental Science at university and went on to work in Conservation Land Management at multiple organisations. Now, she’s working to help restore Australia’s landscape with WWF-Australia.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

#ChooseToChallenge to me is about acknowledging the achievements of women in the workforce. In Conservation, both leadership and operational roles are incredibly important and there are so many wonderful women who deserve recognition for the amazing work they do. I hope we can encourage more women to apply for all types of industries that might be historically male-dominated and strive to be their best!

What's it like working in Conservation as a woman?

Working in Conservation is incredibly inspiring. While it can be challenging, it’s so rewarding to see a project you’ve spent months working on be successful. Whether it’s getting approved funding to save an important area of biodiversity, or personally releasing a rehabilitated animal into the wild, I love every part of what I do. Conservation is an excellent area to work in as a woman as you’re always surrounded by so many other incredible women!

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Any woman interested in starting a career in Conservation should seek out a female mentor they admire. A mentor can teach you so much! But like in any industry, it’s so important to feel supported. A woman with experience in your passions can help nurture your development and always offer advice!

Rachel Lowry

CHIEF CONSERVATION OFFICER, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Born with the nature-loving gene, some of Rachel’s earliest and happiest memories involve being in the presence of wildlife and nature. With two BSc’s in Science and Education, she’s found herself working in a number of world-leading zoos for close to two decades. Now, as WWF-Australia’s Chief Conservation Officer, she’s putting in place solutions that benefit both people and nature.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

I love this theme because it inherently acknowledges that most futures worth striving for don’t come easy and can rarely be achieved alone. Each time we rise to a challenge we grow. This theme is one that encourages us to choose growth, together. Not just for the sake of it, but for a future where we benefit from joining forces and choosing the right path forward.

I choose to challenge gender bias and inequality by identifying it and making it visible, which often means calling it out for what it is. Also, by listening to those experiencing it, and by championing the path that is just and fair.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

Perhaps it was my entry into parenthood. After years of trying to start a family without landing my baby-shaped prize, I decided to step into my first Executive role. I was the youngest on the team and felt the pressure that comes with proving oneself in a new role. In my first month on the job, I discovered I was going to have a baby after all! Hooray. But ohhh.

Navigating that year as a first-time Executive and first-time mother was hard. However, it could’ve been a lot harder had it not been for the unwavering support of my CEO at the time. A woman upon whose shoulders I stand and whose generosity I work hard to pay forward.

What is it like working in Conservation as a woman?

It is terrific. I get to work with a group of men and women who are striving to secure a better future for people and nature. The type of people that commit themselves to that mission are often among those whose values are well aligned with equity for all. Occasionally, albeit less and less, I come across a stakeholder whose expectations of a senior leader is a man in a suit. I allow that to say more about them than it does about me and work to find common ground to connect on before prejudices derived from stereotypes are able to derail our shared goal. Stereotypes, as we know, extend well beyond gender, and if we don’t choose to constructively challenge them, we risk reinforcing them.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

Do it. With all the confidence, grace and grit you can muster.

Monica Richter

SENIOR MANAGER - LOW CARBON FUTURES, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Trained as an economist and social ecologist, Monica has worked for the not-for-profit sector for many years. Her Masters in Social Ecology inspired her to specialise in corporate social responsibility, landing her in an environmental NGO. At WWF-Australia, she works with businesses, investors, innovators and governments to accelerate the uptake of low carbon solutions.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

I think it’s important to speak out when I see behaviour that goes against my values of gender and cultural inclusion. There’s still a long way to go to make Australia more equitable, but I believe through my actions and engagement with business I can demonstrate the power of diverse voices at the table.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

When I lived in Solomon Islands in the early 1990s, I wanted to join the Rotary Club of Honiara. I worked for the Australian Government in a business-facing position and thought joining the club would allow me to make a contribution to the local community. Before I was allowed in as a woman the members had to have a private members’ vote to determine whether I could join. Thankfully I was allowed in and have been knocking down doors ever since.

What’s your advice for women who want to work in the Conservation space?

If you have a passion for Conservation, you will be welcome. Be confident that you have a role to play should you wish to.

Dr Krista Singleton-Cambage

HEAD OF CLIMATE AND FOOD SECURITY, WWF-AUSTRALIA

Krista’s career has grown out of a fascination with international relations and international law, with a focus on bringing countries together to protect the environment and address global heating. She’s worked in the Australian Government on issues ranging from the law of the sea to Antarctica, as well as on how we can help people in vulnerable situations through better environmental practices with the The Nature Conservancy in the United States.

She has worked with people from the global disability community, to remote communities in island nations, to African governments. Working on securing food and addressing global heating are the underlying challenges of our time and helping people to improve their well-being through healthy natural resources drives her every day.

What does #ChooseToChallenge mean to you and how have you chosen to challenge gender bias?

The theme for International Women’s Day to me is a celebration of strength. Women everywhere throughout history have challenged the status quo and worked to make positive changes in their societies. I'm inspired by their resolve, and every day I stand on the shoulders of all the women who broke ground in the environmental field, and also in international settings. I have worked a lot in the United Nations system and the 'halls of power' have traditionally been associated with listening to what men had to say. This has changed because women show up again, and again, to talk about issues that matter - about food, water, health, inequality, and security. I'm privileged to be able to bring issues of resilience and strength into many different discussions, and to work with women across the globe to deliver a common message.

What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced as a woman, and how did you overcome it?

In my career, the biggest challenge I’ve faced is not being heard. I’m a real consensus-builder, always mindful of how others are feeling and making sure everyone can participate in different contexts. When I come across situations where women with this approach are seen as not decisive or weak in some way, it can be very frustrating! I have overcome this by standing my ground, especially with men in senior positions – including heads of state – and making sure that my views are listened to, and considered. There are also times in traditionally male-dominated environments, such as agriculture and law – where women can still be overlooked. At times I resist the urge to make everyone comfortable (even though this can be hard!) and lean in to participate in – and make – decisions in ways that ensure equity.

What is it like working in Conservation as a woman?

Working in this field as a woman is an important opportunity for me to bring issues together in an integrated way. Issues that are good for people – clean water, nutritious food, stable environments – also provide the guidebook for what we need to do in Conservation. The issues of well-being and what it means to live a balanced and healthy life are inseparable from the need to address global heating. By staying focused on the issues that can deliver good conservation outcomes, I know that I am also able to deliver outcomes that are good for people’s lives today and into the future.

What has been your biggest achievement so far?

One of my biggest achievements was bringing together people from local communities in island and coastal states from around the world to present their experiences and learning to UN agencies, the World Bank, governments and major foundations at a world-first event in Tokyo. I led a team of people around the world for a few years to make it happen. Several women explained how they are empowering their communities – from Seychelles to Easter Island to the Coral Triangle – to protect their natural resources. But, most importantly, we all shared stories of vulnerability and lack of resources and huge needs in building skills and systems to ensure food security, climate adaptation, and environmental protection into the future. As a result of this gathering, communities have stayed connected across national boundaries and their ability to manage projects, financing, and food production has increased.

What advice do you have for other women who want to work in the Conservation space?

My advice for other women is to stay focused on your own core values, and what you want to achieve. It’s easy to feel a bit daunted by the enormity of the job before us in conservation, and to get pulled in different directions. If you stay true to what you want to change in the world, opportunities will open up to work with others who share a similar drive. I love the motto "She believed she could, so she did”. Don’t be intimidated to say when you see something differently, or have a different view – all views are needed to tackle the significant challenges we are facing and to indeed make the world a better place.