Naima Mohamed- Ecoreminder| Women in Conservation

We are not masters of other creatures on earth; instead, we are successors upon the earth and have a responsibility to ensure we don’t abuse our title and protect the environment for other generations to come.

“Indeed, We (God) offered the trust to the heavens and the earth and the mountains, and they declined and feared it, but man (undertook to) bear it. Indeed, he was unjust and ignorant (Qur’an 33:72).”

Where my concern for Environment came from

Growing up, I was taught that it was everyone’s responsibility to take care of the environment; however, few were concerned about it.

While walking from school every day, I witnessed how environmental issues were taken lightly. I would see a pile of plastic waste discarded by the roadside, tons of organic waste producing a pungent smell, and massive exhaust smoke from public vehicles and trucks.

The destruction of nature and negligence by man is what motivated me to pursue a career in conservation. I was very aware that not many people care about the environment. As a result, I was motivated to voice environmental concerns through writing.

I rolled for a Management of Agroecosystems and Environment course at the University of Nairobi in mid-September 2015, amplifying my understanding and ability to educate others

Birth of Ecoreminder

In March of 2020, I decided to start a blog called ‘ecoreminder’ that would create awareness about environmental issues. This decision was made after a lengthy contemplation.

Blogging became an excellent platform for me to raise awareness about environmental issues globally and hope to promote environmental stewardship further. Hence, my target audience is not just Kenyans, but rather everyone around the world.

Writing is a great way to reach a larger audience and create an impact. Although, sometimes it can be disheartening as it’s difficult to know if you’ve convinced people about environmental protection or it has fallen on deaf ears.

Here is one of my favourite quotes by Martin Luther King, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” I believe my journey in conservation has just started, and it’s not going to end soon.

Lessons and Thoughts

My message to women in conservation is to continually work hard and be an inspiration and role model for young girls. 

To everyone out there, now is the time to rethink substantially about our impact on the environment and start to make more eco-friendly choices.

It could be individual actions such as refusing plastic, reducing waste, dietary changes, and voting for responsible and eco-conscious people into power or collective activities such as engaging and empowering local organizations.

‘You cannot protect the environment unless you empower people, you inform them, and help them understand that these resources are their own, that they must protect them.’ Wangari Maathai.

Suggested reads

Patricia Kombo- PaTree Initiative

Written by Naima Mohamed. Edited by Caroline Kibii