In celebration of Women’s Month, we are thrilled to spotlight the incredible women in our community who are making a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. These unsung heroes, our community gardeners, are the backbone of our initiative to ensure that every crèche child receives nutritious meals directly from their crèche gardens. By cultivating fresh produce, they are not just feeding young minds but are also instilling a love for the earth and healthy living.

Our commitment to food security extends beyond the crèches. We are establishing permaculture gardens at homesteads, where women from the community are being empowered and trained to maintain these gardens. This initiative not only promotes food security but also provides women with the skills and knowledge to sustain their families and communities. Through this effort, we are planting the seeds of self-reliance and sustainability, nurturing not just gardens but also the spirit of empowerment.

This Women’s Month, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing teachers and cooks at the four crèches supported by the Zululand Conservation Trust (ZCT). These incredible women work tirelessly to create a safe and nurturing environment for our children to learn and play. But their care extends far beyond the classroom—they prepare warm, healthy meals every day, ensuring that each child is well-fed, cared for, and given the best possible start in life. Your unwavering commitment and love do not go unnoticed—thank you for all that you do!

Additionally, we are proud to highlight the critical role of our Fence Guardians. These women ensure that the reserve’s boundary fence is up to standard, safeguarding wildlife within the reserve and protecting humans and livestock outside. The ZCT launched the Fence Guardianship Program, which employs women from the community to patrol and monitor the fence line for any unusual activity and maintain it, ensuring protection on both sides. This initiative not only enhances fence line maintenance but also provides sustainable employment opportunities for women and strengthens community involvement in conservation efforts..

Finally, we’d like to recognize the leadership of Karen Odendaal, Chief Operating Officer at Zululand Conservation Trust. Since the inception of ZCT, Karen has been a driving force behind its success. With a Master’s in Resource Conservation Biology from the University of the Witwatersrand, her journey began in 2005 as a Black Rhino Monitor at Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Over the years, Karen’s role evolved from General Manager at Manyoni and Zululand Rhino Reserve to becoming COO of ZCT in 2015, where she has focused on community and conservation projects. Her leadership was instrumental in the establishment of the Zululand Rhino Orphanage in 2017, and she continues to lead initiatives like the range expansion and pangolin rehabilitation programs, driving ZCT’s growth and impact on both conservation and community support.

As we celebrate Women’s Month, we honor all these incredible women who embody strength, dedication, and compassion. Their contributions not only uplift our communities but also pave the way for a brighter, more sustainable future.

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