Women in travel: female-led initiatives to support around the world Radhika Aligh All over the world, women are innovating, leading, championing and overcoming challenges within the realms of art, gastronomy and local enterprises. From a female-only poaching unit protecting a South African nature reserve to the Kilimanjaro mountain guides, we meet the women around the world smashing stereotypes in traditionally male-dominated jobs in celebration of International Women’s Day. Support one of these worthy projects on your next trip. The Black Mambas Anti-Poaching Unit - Balule Nature Reserve, South Africa The all-woman unit was founded in 2013 by Transfrontier Africa NPC to protect the Olifants West Region of Balule Nature Reserve. Within the first year of operation, the Black Mambas were invited to expand into other regions and now protect all boundaries of the reserve. Eight years on, the unit has grown from six to thirty-six with more women applying to be rangers each year. “As a village girl and seeing older women not being able to work or raise their voice because only men can do it and only men can become rangers, it made me want to do this job more,” says Leitah Mkhabela, a member of Black Mambas.