Against the Current as a Woman Ranger in Malaysia
Credit: Ranger Federation of Asia
The river was calm as we set out in the early morning mist, surrounded by the rainforest of the Maliau Basin. Our four-day inter-agency river patrol, including the DaMaI patrol team, Sabah Forestry Department PROTECT Team, and the Royal Malaysia Police, was tasked with patrolling the waterways of the protected area. As the only woman on the 11-member team, I felt both excitement and responsibility, eager to prove that female rangers belong in every aspect of conservation work.
For hours, the journey was smooth, but as we went deeper, the current strengthened, and maneuvering the river became tricky. Then, disaster struck: one of our boats hit a submerged rock and capsized, stuck against the current. Supplies drifted away, and any attempt to free the boat risked someone being swept away. We tried for hours, but the river’s force was relentless. As rain clouds gathered, we faced a tough decision. Some were eager to press on, but I voiced the unpopular opinion it was time to step back and prioritize safety. After discussions, we split the team half continued on foot while the rest proceeded by boat, leaving the trapped vessel behind.
By the time we reached safer ground, we were exhausted but relieved. The mission hadn’t gone as planned, but it reinforced an important lesson: being a ranger isn’t just about physical strength it is about adaptability, teamwork, and making the tough calls under pressure.
As a woman ranger in a male-dominated field, this experience reminded me that leadership is not about gender; it’s about action. That experience stayed with me, not just as a test of endurance but as a reminder of what leadership truly means. It’s not always about taking the most daring path; sometimes, it’s about stepping back and making the tough call to protect your team. We navigate the same rivers, face the same challenges, and make decisions that matter. Our voices belong in every part of conservation not just as participants but as leaders shaping the future of our protected area.
Grace Pounsin works in the Danum Valley-Maliau Basin-Imbak Canyon (DaMaI) Rainforest Landscape under Yayasan Sabah, Malaysia.