VOICED : Former Australian sniper now champions all women anti poaching in Zimbabwe

Damien Mander shares his journey from a military background to leading a ranger program in Zimbabwe. The program empowers marginalized women by training them as rangers to protect wildlife. Mander reflects on his motivations and the importance of community engagement in conservation. The program emphasizes gender equality and shifts from a militarized approach to one that involves local communities.

What initially motivated the speaker to join the military?

• A passion for conservation

• A quest for adventure

• A desire to serve his country

• A need for discipline

What is the primary focus of the all-female ranger squads in Zimbabwe?

• Protecting urban areas

• Providing education

• Building infrastructure

• Conserving wildlife reserves

What backgrounds do many of the women in the ranger squads come from?

• Academic institutions

• Wealthy families

• Political backgrounds

• Survivors of violence and hardship

How has the strategy for conservation changed according to the speaker?

• From defensive to offensive

• From community-based to militarized

• From militarized to community-based

• From local to international

What is considered the best way to engage local communities in conservation?

• Working with local leaders

• Building new facilities

• Providing financial incentives

• Collaborating with women

What is a potential risk mentioned for the rangers in their conservation efforts?

• Lack of funding

• Conflict with poachers

• Political instability

• Natural disasters

What is the speaker's hope for the future of conservation efforts?

• To expand military operations

• To increase community involvement

• To eliminate all poachers

• To focus solely on technology