INSPIRING WOMEN SAVING ORANGUTANS

International Women’s Day falls annually on March 8th and this year’s theme is #BreakTheBias. At the BOS Foundation, we have an incredible team of women working to make a positive impact in the environmental and conservation space, and in their personal lives.

We asked five of these women what #BreakTheBias means to them, how they got to where they are today, their proudest achievements and greatest challenges, and their advice for other women who wish to work in conservation.

Hanny Puspita Sari
Enrichment Team, Nyaru Menteng, Central Kalimantan

Shintya Anjani
Head of Fundraising, BOSF Headquarters, West Java

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING IN CONSERVATION AS A WOMAN?

In my opinion, working in conservation or business should be no different for a woman or man, as both bring advantages and experience challenges. Before working in the world of conservation, I was in the male-dominated business world for more than 15 years.

Stigma and societal norms still exist that can limit and challenge women, and women are often still expected to fill roles that are considered less important. However, when a woman is given the same opportunities, the same education, and is empowered, she can do anything!

For me, gender equality in the workplace means equal opportunity in terms of job access, leadership, and decision-making, at all levels. As a woman, I believe if I am competent and determined, and work hard, I can achieve whatever I want.

In the world of orangutan conservation, women bring a balance to predominantly male teams and make the work environment more dynamic and interesting. With tenderness, compassion, and intuition as our strengths, women help make significant, positive impacts in the care and rehabilitation of endangered orangutans.

WHETHER DELIBERATE OR UNCONSCIOUS, BIAS CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR WOMEN TO MOVE AHEAD. KNOWING THAT BIAS EXISTS, WHAT DOES #BREAKTHEBIAS MEAN TO YOU AND HOW HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO CHALLENGE GENDER BIAS?

For women, the most common impacts of gender bias are gender discrimination, violence, and sexual harassment. In my opinion, gender bias can be prevented from an early age through education and by raising children in an equal manner, regardless of gender.

In my opinion, when women are given the same opportunities, empowerment, and trust that men are afforded, they will certainly possess the same abilities as their male counterparts. Therefore, supporting women, providing guidance for self-enrichment and training, and providing opportunities to develop in a professional environment can help reduce gender bias and gender inequality.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO WORK IN CONSERVATION?

My advice to women would be if working in conservation is truly your passion and dream, pursue it with all your might! Never think you will be side-lined, just because you are a woman. Working in the world of conservation is open to all genders. Diversity is amazingly beautiful!

Working in conservation is no different to working in business and other professions. The point is PASSION. Wherever you work, let your passion lead you, and give it all your heart. Regardless of your gender, there are three things that I think hold the key to success: honesty, determination, and hard work. If you stick by these three, I believe you will achieve the success you long for.

In my opinion, no job is too hard and no job is impossible. The point is, you can achieve anything - regardless of gender - when you have equal opportunity, and receive the right support and training to enrich yourself.

Aldina Ramadan
Junior Coordinator, Mawas Program, Central Kalimantan

Ayu Siti Nurika Agustina
Camp Coordinator, Rehabilitasi Habitat Orangutan Indonesia (RHOI), East Kalimantan

WHAT’S IT LIKE WORKING IN CONSERVATION AS A WOMAN?

It feels really great, and I find it so interesting to work in the conservation world, especially as a woman. Here, I have to work outside of my comfort zone, which feels like an adventure every day! I get to admire the magic and natural beauty of Borneo's forests in East Kalimantan where I work.  

WHETHER DELIBERATE OR UNCONSCIOUS, BIAS CAN MAKE IT DIFFICULT FOR WOMEN TO MOVE AHEAD. KNOWING THAT BIAS EXISTS, WHAT DOES #BREAKTHEBIAS MEAN TO YOU AND HOW HAVE YOU CHOSEN TO CHALLENGE GENDER BIAS?

First, I think it requires mutual respect: Through respecting each other, especially when it comes to each other's work and responsibilities. Second, is to have mutual trust. We trust each other to lead, and accept leadership from others at the same time. Third, is mutual benefit - as part of a team, we work hard to achieve a common goal.

WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE FOR WOMEN WHO WANT TO WORK IN CONSERVATION?

My first piece of advice and suggestion is to work on getting physically fit and strong. The second is to become acquainted with the surrounding work environment; for me, that is familiarising myself with the terrain of all transects from the closest to the farthest, the highest transects, and those located along slopes. The third thing is to prioritise safety. Since we work in the wild, we must be smart and pay attention to everything that is happening around us.

Dewi Sulistiowati
Sun Bear Coordinator, Samboja Lestari, East Kalimantan

MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

We have a special opportunity to raise our voices to support women working in conservation – and we need you to join us before midnight. Will you take the pledge to support the women who protect orangutans?

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