Women in Conservation Leadership Programme

In 2021 we launched the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership Programme.

Whilst the inclusion, active participation, and voice of women is linked with improved conservation outcomes, women in conservation often face gender related work place challenges. Gender bias and harassment can negatively impact confidence, erode an individual’s ability to reach their full potential, and block or hinder career advancement and entry into senior  positions. We believe that tackling these challenges and empowering women conservationists in this region is critical for long-term, sustainable and successful conservation of ASAP species.

Through the ASAP Women in Conservation Leadership Programme, we are providing opportunities for shared learning and knowledge with targeted training to strengthen leadership skills. Leadership can be defined as a set of attitudes, qualities and skills that any individual can develop, regardless of their formal role or position, and the ASAP programme provides opportunities for experienced and aspiring women conservation managers and leaders. Enhanced leadership qualities can help shift organisational mindsets and question traditional hierarchical structures, and ultimately leads to more effective work and greater impact on the ground.

The programme brings together participants from across the region, and is providing opportunities for structured learning alongside peer-to-peer learning and networking, providing a support mechanism beyond the leadership programme. We also work with each individual to help champion and support their work.

In 2021 we partnered with the Tropical Biology Association (TBA) and provided over 50 hours of online engagement and training to strengthen core skills used in managing and implementing conservation programmes and leading teams. Modules included project design and proposal development, fundraising, leadership, and communication. Our cohort highly rated and appreciated the content of the programme and learning approach, leading to over 90% of the cohort feeling more empowered as women working in conservation,​ and more able to make positive change within their organisation. ​

Following consultation with our cohort at the end of 2021, we developed a second phase to the programme taking a deeper dive into leadership specific learning.

Starting in June 2022 we are partnering with Visibility Co. to run the ASAP Visible Leadership Programme for Women in Southeast Asian Conservation. We are learning how to build and manage personal and organisation resilience with Dr Vik Mohan  through wellbeing, a key tenet for sustaining ourselves and our teams in conservation.

The 7 modules, spanning 10 months and ending with an in-person meeting, are based around three pillars:

Pillar 1 Visibility to self: Wellbeing and community building, personal leadership and focus.

Pillar 2 Visibility to others: Strategic communication, leading others, storytelling +
skills-building focus, plus wellbeing

Pillar 3 Visibility for collective impact: Systems-thinking, leadership for the greater good, collaboration.

To find out more on the programme, click here.

The programme is currently running and not open for applications. Subscribe to our newsletter and follow our social media for updates on the programme. 

Photo credits from left to right: Mandai Wildlife Group/David Tan, Yayasan Kanopia Indonesia, Sam Tippett/EPRC