VI
EMPOWERING WOMAN,
TRANSFORMING CONSERVATION
Across the country, women are significantly underrepresented in biodiversity research, enforcement, and conservation leadership. From fieldwork to decision-making roles, conservation remains a male-dominated sector, creating barriers that limit women’s opportunities, not due to a lack of passion or capability, but due to systemic challenges that keep them on the sidelines.
Women are often unseen, unheard, and underrepresented in the biodiversity conservation sector. While they play a crucial role in local communities, few hold positions as forest rangers, biodiversity researchers, or conservation leaders. The challenges they face go beyond just professional barriers – many women working in conservation also experience gender-based violence, discrimination, and unsafe working conditions.
A 2020 survey conducted by WildAct revealed a disturbing reality: six out of seven respondents working in Vietnam’s conservation sector admitted to experiencing sexual harassment at some point in their careers. This included both fieldwork and office settings, highlighting a deep-rooted issue that had long been ignored. Many survivors felt unable to speak up, fearing retaliation, job loss, or being discredited.
Through a lack of policies, leadership opportunities, and structural support, women were left behind when it comes to leadership in conservation. WildAct set out to change this.
TRANSFORMING CONSERVATION:
CREATING SAFE AND INCLUSIVE WORKPLACES
In 2021, WildAct launched a three-year initiative funded by USAID Rise Challenge aimed at tackling gender-based violence (GBV) in Vietnam’s conservation sector. This program laid the foundation for a safer, more equitable workplace, ensuring that women could pursue careers in conservation without fear of harassment or discrimination.
Through this initiative, we:
Developed a Safeguarding Policy & Code of conduct guideline for conservation organisations to adopt.
Provide training for men and women of wildlife conservation sector to recognise, response and prevent gender-based violence.
Established the first-ever Focal Contact Point Network, providing direct support to GBV survivors in conservation workplaces.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN THE FIELD
While policies are essential, true change happens on the ground. WildAct is actively recruiting, training, and empowering women to take leadership roles in conservation. As women often received less opportunities than men to participate in technical and leadership training, we:
Provide project development, management and evaluation
for local women and early-career women conservationists.
Provide mini-grant for women-led project, whether it’s on conservation research, practice or implementing safeguarding policy at their own workplace.
Provide self-esteem, family planning, sustainable livelihood approach and entrepreneurship training for local, ethnic minority women to enable them to gain financial independence, make informed life choices, and become leaders in their communities.
WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP MATTERS IN CONSERVATION
When women lead in conservation, everyone benefits. Studies show that gender-diverse teams lead to more effective, sustainable solutions. Women often bring different perspectives, prioritize long-term community well-being, and foster stronger environmental stewardship.
By ensuring that women are not just present, but empowered in conservation, WildAct is transforming the way Vietnam protects its natural heritage – from research and enforcement to community-driven conservation.
Our goal is clear: A conservation sector where women are leaders, decision-makers, and equal contributors in protecting Vietnam’s biodiversity.
OUR IMPACTS
68%
Of all program
beneficiaries are women
77%
Of women stated that they
are more
confident after receiving our training
21%
Of women are now working in leaders/
decision making positions
30000
USD provided for women-led
mini projects
