MAXI PIA LOUIS

'For the past years, women in conservation have not been equally involved in decision making when it comes to environmental issues. Though we are actively involved as primary natural resource users and land users, we did not have an equivalent voice in making decisions. This is changing. Women have now been exposed to women empowerment programs and capacitated on modern social issues, mainly decision making. Although women are being educated, cultures still influence women’s abilities to make decisions. As a Director of NACSO, the Namibian Association of CBNRM Support Organisations, my aim is to inspire and motivate women in Community-based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM), and to involve them in decision making. This will encourage women to make choices willingly without any restraints - not only on conservation matters but other social and economic matters.'