Women of the African Biodiversity Network

For International Women's Day 2011 we would like to share with you some of the great women who we have been working with over the past few years. Women right across Africa are making change within their own communities and having their voices heard.

Mphatheleni Makaulule has been working with her community in Venda for a number of years now	She is passionate about reviving the VhaVenda culture and traditions which are so threatened by a modernising South Africa	She works alongside local elders known as Makhadzis. Together they have formed Dzomo la Mupo meaning Voices for the Earth.
Dzomo la Mupo are currently fighting to protect their sacred sites. Here a makhadzi shows the litter left by tourists.	A Makhadzi ululates outside the court room last month as the Dzomo la Mupo make a small victory against the building contractors	The VhaVenda women are part of a rich and vibrant culture. They have determination to stand up to protect their sacred sites.
They have mapped their local area and are using these maps to show the local government that their territory is vital.	Mphatheleni speaks out at national and international gatherings in an unwavering journey to protect her culture and its people.	In the rural community of Kamburu in Kenya, Rosemary has been working with a local NGO to help revive ecological farming.