Family & Friends – Nyaradzo Hoto

She's the power-woman who won the International Ranger Award 2022! Here's our interview with ranger Nyaradzo!
21 January, 2023
 Name & age: Nyaradzo Hoto, 30 years old
Family: 2 Daughters
Job position: Sergeant
Ranger since: 2017
Favourite wild animal: ElephantWhy did you become a ranger?
By the time Akashinga started, being a ranger was a male-dominated occupation. It was not a space that included women, but by joining Akashinga, I could be a part of that change.What does this job mean to you?
Being a ranger means everything to me! A ranger is a warrior. She is a saviour of wildlife. I am very proud to call myself an Akashinga ranger.

What does a typical day at work look like?
A typical day includes patrolling the protected area, monitoring wildlife, engaging local communities in conservation and assisting in resolving human-wildlife conflicts. By working with the communities to help them gain better knowledge of the importance of these animals, we can reduce the source of poaching.

Which challenges are toughest? 
Thanks to our extensive training, no challenges are too hard for the Akashinga rangers. Together, we face the difficulties and the heartaches and continue to fight for the wildlife we protect. Every challenge helps us become even better.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself as a Chief Ecologist for the International Anti-Poaching Foundation!

What are your future dreams? 
The Akashinga project is a game changer in the conservation sector and for women, and I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of the evolution of conservation.

If you had a superpower, what would it be?
I would want the ability to grant people empathy! Animals can’t stand up and speak out for themselves. So it’s our role as rangers and empathetic human beings to imagine what it’s like to be in an animal’s shoes and fight for their rights.

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