Empowering Women in Birding: The Uganda Women Birders Club

With over 1,000 bird species recorded, Uganda is a paradise for birdwatchers. While birding in the region has long been a male-dominated activity, the Uganda Women Birders Club (UWBC) is reshaping the narrative. This vibrant community is empowering women to step confidently into the field of birdwatching and play a meaningful role in conservation.

Uganda Women Birders Club members with fellow bird guides and conservation officers during a training session — Members of the Uganda Women Birders Club and fellow conservation guides gather to promote inclusivity and leadership in birding.

The UWBC has emerged as a powerful platform for gender inclusivity, environmental education, and professional development in Uganda’s birding community—and it is just getting started.

Club Story and Mission

The Uganda Women Birders Club was founded to address the clear under-representation of women in birding and nature conservation. Its mission is to create a supportive, inclusive environment where women of all skill levels can explore birdwatching, develop their knowledge, and advocate for the protection of Uganda’s natural heritage.

Activities and Programs of the Uganda Women Birders Club

The UWBC offers hands-on opportunities for women to grow as birders, conservationists, and community leaders. Key programs include:

1. Guided Birding Tours

Members explore Uganda’s top birding destinations—like Mabamba Swamp, Bwindi, and Queen Elizabeth National Park—on guided excursions that build field skills and deepen appreciation for avian life.

2. 🎓 Workshops and Training of Uganda Women Birders Club Members

Through regular training sessions, members learn about bird identification, birding ethics, field techniques, and conservation policy. These sessions help transform interested women into competent and confident birders.

3. 🌍 Community Outreach

UWBC members take part in outreach events in schools, villages, and conservation areas. These events raise awareness about bird conservation, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tourism.

4. 🤝 Networking and Mentorship

The club provides a strong peer network and mentorship opportunities where women can share tips, support one another, and collaborate on birding and conservation projects.

Impact and Achievements of the Uganda Women Birders Club

Since its formation—thanks to the commendable efforts of Herbert Byarunga—the Uganda Women Birders Club has made a measurable impact on both the birding community and broader society

Increased Female Participation: More Ugandan women now participate in birdwatching and nature guiding than ever before.

Advocacy for Conservation: UWBC members engage in awareness campaigns and local policy discussions to protect bird habitats.

Capacity Building: Dozens of women who started as beginners have become skilled guides and conservation advocates.

Youth Engagement: UWBC has mentored young girls through school visits and youth birding clubs, planting the seeds for long-term change.

Expanding Women Birders Club Across East Africa

While rooted in Uganda, the Uganda Women Birders Club aims to expand its model across East Africa—to Kenya, Rwanda, and Tanzania. By fostering cross-border collaboration and regional mentorship, we hope to establish a network of empowered women birders who drive conservation, ecotourism, and community change across the region.

Conservation Note

Involving women in birdwatching and conservation is not only a matter of equity—it is a conservation strategy. Women bring unique perspectives, leadership, and communication skills that are essential to protecting East Africa’s biodiversity.
The Uganda Women Birders Club proves that inclusive conservation is powerful conservation.

Join the Movement. Support Women in Birding.

Are you a birder, conservationist, tour operator, or organisation interested in advancing gender equity in conservation?

👉 Partner with the Uganda Women Birders Club
👉 Invite us to collaborate on community outreach
👉 Donate birding equipment, field guides, or sponsorships
👉 Follow our journey and uplift our stories

📩 Contact Avian Safaris at info@aviansafaris.com to learn how you can support this growing initiative.
Together, let’s ensure that women across East Africa have a voice—and a pair of binoculars—in the future of conservation.