Akashinga

Akashinga is an all-female anti-poaching unit based in Zimbabwe. Founded in 2017 by Damien Mander of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF), Akashinga, meaning "The Brave Ones" in the Shona language, recruits women from disadvantaged backgrounds, often survivors of abuse, domestic violence, or orphaned children, to protect wildlife and combat poaching within the Zambezi Valley region.

The Akashinga model focuses on community engagement and employs a non-lethal approach to conservation. The unit's strategy prioritizes de-escalation and apprehension of poachers, aiming to rehabilitate them rather than simply eliminating the threat. This approach recognizes that poaching is often driven by poverty and lack of opportunity, so the unit also focuses on providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities as an alternative.

Recruits undergo rigorous physical and mental training, learning skills in tracking, patrol tactics, weapons handling, first aid, and community relations. Their selection process emphasizes resilience and dedication rather than prior experience in law enforcement or conservation.

Akashinga has received international recognition for its success in reducing poaching activity in the areas they protect, demonstrating the effectiveness of female empowerment and community-based approaches in conservation efforts. Their work has been lauded for its positive impact on both wildlife protection and the lives of the women involved and the communities they serve. The unit’s work is constantly evolving and facing new challenges as poaching tactics change.