| Akashinga | |
| Founder: | Damien Mander |
| Defunct: | --> |
| Vat Id: | (for European organizations) --> |
| Purpose: | Anti-poaching |
| Region Served: | Zimbabwe |
| Product: | --> |
| Method: | --> |
| Field: | --> |
| Languages: | --> |
| Owners: | --> |
| Publication: | --> |
| Parent Organization: | International Anti-Poaching Foundation |
| Former Name: | --> |
The Akashinga Rangers is an all-female anti-poaching group in Zimbabwe. The group is the subject of a 2020 documentary titled Akashinga: The Brave Ones.
Akashinga was founded in 2017.[1] The women of Akashinga were recruited by Australian conservationist Damien Mander, founder of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation). The original 16 Akashinga were recruited to be conservation officers for Phundundu Wildlife Park.[2] The word Akashinga means "the brave ones" in Shona.[3] The Akashinga Rangers are an arm of Akashinga (formerly the International Anti-Poaching Foundation).[4]
In contrast to other all-female anti-poaching groups such as the Black Mamba Anti-Poaching Unit in South Africa, the rangers of Akashinga are armed. Since 2017, the group has arrested hundreds of poachers.
Many of the Akashinga Rangers are vegan.[5] Many of the Akashinga are survivors of domestic abuse and/or sexual assault.[6]
In March 2017, two rangers and a male trainer drowned while crossing a river.
The short documentary Akashinga: The Brave Ones was directed by Maria Wilhelm. It was produced by Kim Butts, Drew Pulley, and Wilhelm and was executive produced by James Cameron. Akashinga: The Brave Ones premiered in 2020 at the EarthXFilm Festival. It was an official selection of the Tribeca Film Festival and was later broadcast on National Geographic.[8] Akashinga is also available to stream on YouTube.