Women Rise in Boma National Park
Across the wide savannahs of South Sudan’s Boma National Park, a quiet revolution is unfolding. Sixty Kabarze Women recently gathered to discuss how protecting wildlife can also reinforce social harmony, marking a milestone in community-led stewardship (Eye Radio, 2025).
From Peacekeepers to Eco-Guardians
The Kabarze movement emerged in 2017 when women intervened to calm age-set clashes around Pibor. Their credibility as peace negotiators now underpins a broader mission: curbing bush-meat hunting, illegal grazing and tree felling that jeopardize both household incomes and fragile habitats.
Grass-roots Outreach Plans
With technical backing from African Parks and the local Ministry of Gender, the women will travel between remote villages explaining why migratory corridors and watering points must stay intact. Demonstrations on fuel-efficient stoves and alternative livelihoods aim to replace damaging practices.
Why Gender Matters for Conservation
Mothers often manage firewood, water and farming decisions; their influence shapes how youths relate to nature. Facilitator Sarah Lotiyang noted, “When we teach mothers, we reach whole households.” Researchers link female participation to higher compliance with game-reserve rules and faster conflict resolution.
Partners and Long-Term Vision
The Rumble in the Jungle campaign, the Ministry of Wildlife, Conservation and Tourism, and local chiefs have endorsed the initiative. Coordinators say sustained funding could secure the Greater Nile Migration route while cementing women’s leadership as a pillar of durable peace.