Locadia Dzingwena, a young Zimbabwean woman, defied stereotypes by earning her master’s degree with distinction, scoring an impressive 90% for her research on chacma baboons at Mandela University’s George Campus.
Despite facing discouragement, with many questioning her choice to study baboons over “exciting” species like lions or elephants, she persisted. She argued that every species plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
She highlighted how baboons, often overlooked, are critical indicators of climate change and human-wildlife conflict. Her success underscores the urgent need for greater representation of women, especially women of color, in wildlife and climate-related fields, where their perspectives are essential for holistic conservation efforts.
Her journey was far from easy. After a year of grueling paperwork to study in South Africa, she faced cultural and academic challenges in a foreign country. She thanks her family support and mentorship for her triumph.
Now, she aims to inspire others, proving that meaningful change comes from studying lesser-known species and breaking barriers in male-dominated fields. Her story is a call to empower more women in conservation, ensuring diverse voices shape the future of wildlife and climate research.
Locadia’s achievement is not just personal, it’s a victory for every young girl told her dreams are too ambitious. “To every girl who doubted,” she says, “look at us now. We did it.” Her success is a testament to resilience and the transformative power of women’s leadership in science.
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