WOMEN IN CONSERVATION

Our world is currently undergoing an environmental crisis unlike any other in history. Humans are responsible for a current extinction rate 100 to 1,000 times faster than Earth’s natural rate. The degradation of biodiversity not only directly affects the species becoming extinct, endangered, or threatened, but the human race as well. We rely on species diversity for a variety of needs, such as food, water, medicine, clothing, shelter, and ecosystem services.

 

Simultaneously, women in science are currently and have historically been underrepresented in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Despite women holding more bachelor’s degrees than men, only 20% of women’s degrees are in these STEM fields. Because of implicit bias, stereotypes, and gender expectations enforced by the media, the gender gap is not closing.

 

The fight for gender equality and the fight for global conservation can be combined and used as fuel for each other’s arguments. An increase in women in conservation biology and related fields is key to addressing the above issues.

 

15 historical women who contributed to conservation are highlighted in the timeline below. Their interests, accomplishments, and struggles can serve as an example and inspiration for current and future women in conservation.