MATRIARCHS: Leadership, cooperation and wisdom in female elephants, and the women that study and protect them
MATRIARCHS is an ongoing storytelling project of mine. I am showcasing the stories and lived experiences of women who have dedicated their careers to elephant conservation, research, husbandry and care.
Whilst there is high public recognition of a few pioneering female primatologists, such as Jane Goodalland Dian Fossey, in the 1960’s and 70’s, ambitious women were also entering the then male-dominatedfields of elephant behaviour, biology and conservation. Through interviews, written works, and photography, Matriarchs reveals the inspiring, adventurous, shocking tales and life stories of these women. Covering their struggles, regrets and championing moments of success and failure when asserting themselves in male-dominated spaces, the unique perspectives and novel approaches they brought which advanced their fields, and how now, as senior career women, their careers and workplaces have benefited from more female, and matriarchal approaches to leadership, and methods of elephant husbandry and research. Through traits such as patience, empathy, collaboration, and holistic thinking.
Central to the project, topics are to be explored and presented in a way that draws constant parallels between these women and the roles of elephant matriarchs (experienced older females that lead groups) in elephant societies themselves. Including, the social roles and emotional intelligence of older females, leadership based on competence rather than despotic control, and the importance of cooperation in elephant society.
Despite their contributions to research and conservation – women, especially older women, rarely gain public recognition for their work. Less than 4% of Nobel prizes for science have been awarded to women. This is an exploration of matriarchal voices and wisdom across the world, spanning the various cultures that are home for women working with African and Asian elephant species.
For more information, or sponsorship enquiries please email connierballen@gmail.com