Documenting Women in Conservation With Georgina Goodwin And Her Journey
Women have long been at the forefront of conservation efforts, yet their contributions often go unnoticed. A recent study found that forests managed by women experienced 51% less deforestation compared to those overseen by men. Additionally, over 80% of the world’s remaining forest biodiversity exists within Indigenous lands, where communities have safeguarded these ecosystems for generations. Indigenous women and women in the Global South have played a crucial role in environmental stewardship, drawing on their deep-rooted traditions as healers, culture keepers, and caretakers of the land and water.
Through her work as a documentary photographer, Georgina Goodwin has showcased these unsung heroes, capturing their dedication and resilience in preserving the environment. Her photography not only tells the stories of these women but also challenges perceptions and underscores the vital role they play in protecting our planet.
Why Women in Conservation?
For Georgina, documenting women in conservation started as a personal project, which has now moved further into advocacy and representation. “Women have always been caretakers of the land and natural resources, but their efforts are often overshadowed,” she explains.
Women bring unique perspectives to conservation, often focusing on community-driven and sustainable solutions. Women working as rangers, researchers, and grassroots activists, to name a few, have been playing an integral role in shaping the future of environmental stewardship. Yet, they continue to face challenges such as lack of recognition, funding, and systemic and cultural barriers that limit their opportunities. Georgina’s work seeks to change that narrative.
Capturing Strength and Resilience
Throughout her career, Georgina has had the privilege of photographing remarkable women who dedicate their lives to a better world. One particularly striking image in her portfolio is that of a female vet from Kenya Wildlife Service working together with male and female rangers from the Olderkesi Wildlife Conservancy in Kenya’s Masai Mara removing a poison arrow from a giraffe, a symbol of both protection and collaboration against the threats facing wildlife. “These women put their lives on the line every day to guard endangered species from human conflict,” Georgina notes. “Their dedication and courage are immeasurable.”
Similarly, she’s experienced moments of uplift with female marine rangers working along Africa’s coastline to combat illegal fishing and protect fragile marine ecosystems, educating and supporting local fishing communities to sustain themselves without depleting ocean life.
Photography has the ability to shift perceptions and spark change. Images can challenge stereotypes and open people’s eyes to realities they might not have considered before. It’s empowering to see women breaking convention, be it navigating wildlife, restoring forests, or educating communities.
By focusing her lens on women in conservation, Georgina brings their stories to audiences who might not otherwise recognize their impact. Her photographs have been featured in global exhibitions, publications, and campaigns that aim to raise awareness and drive support for women-led environmental initiatives such as Vital Impacts, Conservation International, Prints for Wildlife, and the UN’s World Water Day platform.
Changing the Narrative, Inspiring Action
The stories Georgina documents do more than highlight the efforts of women—they encourage tangible action. “When people experience moments like this through photographs, they connect deeply and often find themselves asking questions- ‘What can I do to help protect the environment?” she explains.
Her work also aims to offer a source of inspiration for young women aspiring to enter the field. Representation matters, and when aspiring female conservationists and nature lovers see women making an impact, it reinforces the belief that they, too, can contribute to environmental protection.
“We need more stories that celebrate the incredible work women are doing for our planet,” Georgina emphasizes. “If my photography can help bring their efforts to the forefront, then I know I’m doing something meaningful.”
Through her lens, Georgina Goodwin is documenting history and shaping a future where women’s contributions to conservation are acknowledged, celebrated, and supported. And with every image she captures, she ensures that these stories are powerful and will be seen, heard, and remembered.
