This International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable women of Cambridge University's Conservation Leadership Masters who are transforming environmental protection around the world. From Brazil's Pantanal wetlands to Namibia's coastlines, Sudan's national parks to Mexico's ecosystems, these passionate leaders bring diverse perspectives and unwavering commitment to addressing our planet's most pressing environmental challenges. Their personal journeys reveal not only dedication to conservation but also resilience in overcoming gender barriers in their field. As we share their stories, we honour their contributions and the mentors who inspired them, while recognising the essential role of women's leadership in creating a sustainable future for all. While we highlight these voices today, our growing alumni network includes countless other inspiring women conservationists whose dedication and achievements we proudly celebrate on this important day.
Luciana Leite, Brazil – Chief Representative and Lead Advocate, Environmental Justice Foundation, and Founder, Chalana Esperança
Photo credit: Chalana Esperança
I deeply admire the conservationists who came before me, but my greatest champion has always been my father. As a little girl growing up in the city, far from nature, it was through our weekends together - snorkelling, hiking, and exploring - that I discovered the magic of the natural world. He was more than a guide; he was a generous gatekeeper to a land of beauty and wonder, igniting a love for nature that has shaped my life.
fNow, as a parent, I feel the responsibility to reconnect our children with nature. Only by fostering love and appreciation for our planet can we address the intertwined crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.
When I applied for the MPhil in Conservation Leadership, I was seeking career growth and new cultural perspectives. My time at Cambridge was transformative, and I’m grateful to stay connected through the alumni network and the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI). Recently, CCI premiered the Environmental Justice Foundation’s film Pantanal at the David Attenborough Building, engaging conservationists, UK-based organisations, and donors to find solutions for protecting this irreplaceable biome.
I also lead Chalana Esperança, a women-led nonprofit focused on environmental education and women’s empowerment. We believe conserving the Pantanal requires the involvement of children and women - the future of these communities. We work with public school teachers to instil conservation values and collaborate with women in traditional communities to develop solutions based on their needs.
Chalana runs a reforestation project empowering Indigenous women to produce native seedlings at scale. With a plant nursery, water collection system, and automated irrigation, the initiative gave this community the potential to produce thousands of seedlings annually. These support community restoration, improve food security, enhance biodiversity, and create economic opportunities, as women can sell seedlings to regional restoration projects. There are many challenges to being a woman in the conservation field, especially in the Pantanal and politics - both male-dominated, sexist, and conservative. At a public hearing in Brasília, representing the Environmental Justice Foundation, a senator repeatedly interrupted me. I didn’t let him silence me, but what struck me most was the silence of every other man in the room. We must call out misogyny - not just for ourselves, but to ensure future female leaders are treated equally.
I recently came across an important lesson: “Be kind, not nice.” Women are often pressured to please others, but activism demands that we transform the status quo. Be kind and considerate, respecting those who disagree with you, even those you stand up against. But don’t seek to be “nice” at work. The excessive desire to please or avoid conflict can compromise your authenticity, leading to irrecuperable losses - both personally and professionally.
Samantha Matjila, Namibia/South Africa – Current Master’s Student
Growing up in Namibia, holiday visits to the coast sparked my deep love for the ocean. Working with small-scale snoek fishers during my MSc in South Africa, and later with commercial hake fisheries in Namibia, I witnessed the delicate balance between marine life and human livelihoods. This taught me that conservation must go beyond protection, recognising indigenous knowledge and practices in sustainable and equitable conservation efforts.
I’m currently pursuing an MPhil in Conservation Leadership at Cambridge to strengthen my impact on marine conservation. My work in Namibia supported the government in refining its first marine protected area (MPA) management plan and advocating for local communities’ rights to marine resources. I aim to see this plan finalised and contribute to Namibia's sustainable development goals, engaging international organisations to ensure the long-term sustainability of Namibia’s MPAs.
The MPhil has broadened my outlook on the complexities of conservation, challenging me to think more critically and strategically while reinforcing my commitment to inclusive conservation. Studying abroad has been emotionally challenging, especially while honouring my late daughter’s legacy. But I’ve grown through this experience, driven by faith and a strong support system, focusing on expanding my impact and bringing valuable insights back home.
As a woman in the marine sector, I’ve faced challenges such as being denied access to fishing vessels and having my expertise overlooked. While support from male colleagues has helped shift the tide, more work is needed to ensure women’s voices are taken seriously in maritime conversations. As Dr. Sylvia Earle said, "When we invest in women, we invest in a sustainable future for our planet." My mother has always been my greatest role model. Her resilience, compassion, and unwavering principles inspire me to lead with purpose, perseverance, and integrity.
Razan Nimir, Sudan – Biodiversity Specialist for the Global Environment Facility
My father, who dedicated his life to protecting Sudan's environment and wildlife, is my greatest inspiration. Conservation was not just his profession but a lifelong responsibility. I lost him in a car accident on Earth Day in 2017 while he was en route to his beloved Dinder National Park, one of Sudan’s most important protected areas. His passion and dedication continue to guide me.
The Master’s in Conservation Leadership was a turning point in my career, broadening my understanding of global conservation challenges and equipping me with the leadership skills to address them. Its practical approach and international exposure reinforced the importance of conservation at every level and inspired me to seek opportunities for meaningful impact.
I recently joined the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Secretariat as a Biodiversity Specialist, working on the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF). Established in 2023, the GBFF aims to scale up financing for the Global Biodiversity Framework to help achieve a world living in harmony with nature by 2050. While still in its early stages, the GBFF has the potential to mobilise crucial financial resources and support countries in meeting their biodiversity targets.
I am deeply grateful to the Sudanese women who fought for the right to work, breaking down social, cultural, and political barriers. Their efforts paved the way for future generations. While gender bias remains a challenge in conservation worldwide, I’ve been fortunate to work with supportive colleagues, especially women mentors, who’ve helped me navigate these challenges.
My mother taught me the value of dedication, instilling in me the belief that no task, no matter how small, should be approached without commitment and integrity. This lesson has shaped my career and personal life, guiding me to pursue everything with purpose and unwavering dedication.
Mariana Martinez Del Rio De La Torre, Mexico – Nature Economy Programme Officer for UNEP-WCMC
Growing up in Mexico, surrounded by its breathtaking landscapes, I easily developed a deep love for nature and a profound appreciation for its many benefits. On the weekends, I would often immerse into outdoor activities with my dad, inheriting his passion for wildlife, water and life itself. It wasn’t until I noticed how it became harder and harder to spot fireflies near home that I began to raise awareness on the difficulties our environment faces. My desire to protecting nature was clear from an early age.
Using the connections from my Master’s programme, I am currently Chair of the UCCLAN and now work for UNEP-WCMC, an organisation that is part of CCI. My passion lies in the integration of nature in economic sectors as a way of addressing root causes of biodiversity loss. For this, energising leaders across sectors to integrate nature-positive actions into decision-making is crucial. I recently co-led a study on Colombia’s GDP dependence on nature, which was integrated by the Ministry of Finance into their Mid Term Fiscal Framework — the first-time nature insights have been included in this macroeconomic tool. The leadership of the in-country female decision-makers was crucial to achieve this.
Addressing biodiversity loss, climate change, and social inequalities is a significant challenge that requires collective leadership for lasting impact. Women are powerful agents of change, with an ancestral connection to nature, but current inequalities often hinder their full potential. While working in Mexico, I had the privilege of helping share the story of a group of local women who, despite facing gender-related challenges, have done an incredible job protecting the Golden Eagle (see short film here).
As a Mexican woman in the conservation field, I have experienced and witnessed gender-related challenges. I am deeply grateful to the courageous women who have enabled opportunities, while also recognizing the work that still lies ahead. It is crucial to reflect and take action to better integrate gender considerations into our work, especially in the most vulnerable areas.
As a woman in the conservation field, I have faced challenges such as gender bias and limited leadership opportunities. Growing up in a supportive family that prioritised education has been key to overcoming these challenges. In the field, I often had to take extra precautions compared to my male colleagues and was discouraged from working alone. Despite the ongoing challenges women face in Mexico, I have been fortunate to receive strong support from my family, which has played a significant role in my career development.