A collaborative effort led by more than fifty Indigenous women rangers has culminated in a groundbreaking new plan; the Kimberley Women Rangers' Strategy.

Sparked by discussions at the 2nd Kimberley Indigenous Women Ranger Forum in 2019, the strategy represents years of shared wisdom and experience.

Through online sessions and gatherings at the Kimberley Aboriginal Law and Culture Centre (KALACC), the women rangers identified their values, the threats they face in protecting their land, and how to build a strong network. This collective voice is now embodied in the strategy, aiming to empower these women as guardians of Country.

However, challenges remain. While the Kimberley Land Council (KLC) envisions a future where "rangers are confident, respected and empowered," funding for these women and their teams is uncertain beyond 2024. Only a fraction have dedicated coordinators or vehicles, hindering their vital work.

Forum facilitator Chantelle Murray said: "That cultural knowledge that is being transferred to us is a powerful tool."

The knowledge, passed down through generations, is crucial for maintaining the health of the land and its people.

The Kimberley Women Rangers' Strategy is a step towards a future where these women are recognized as the vital protectors they are.

The Land Council said: "Our women rangers have been undervalued and under-resourced. It is essential we invest in women working on Country..." With proper support, these rangers can ensure their sacred sites, lore, and knowledge are preserved for generations to come."

Some of the communities that are in the ranger network include; Bardi Jawi, Wunggurr, Yawuru, amongst many others.

The Kimberley region of Australia has witnessed a significant shift in ranger representation over the past decade. In 2010, there were no women employed as rangers. However, by 2023, that number had risen to a 50; marking a major step forward in both Indigenous land management and female representation in the field.

Kimberley Land Council deputy CEO Sarah Parriman emphasised the significance of this development.

"As Aboriginal women, we have a deep responsibility to our lands and seas. Our unique perspective brings an essential and powerful contribution to their protection and management," she said.

Ms Parriman highlighted the multifaceted benefits of employing Indigenous women as rangers.

"This role empowers women, and has transformative benefits for families, communities, the land itself, and of course, the women themselves," she said.

The strategy outlines a number of other threats to the program's success including; remoteness, lack of coordinated action to keep the network strong, lack of appropriate cultural training and lack of support services for women.

A lack of childcare services in remote communities throughout the Kimberley region also limits the ability for young mothers to engage in full-time work as rangers. This issue was outlined by the Kimberly development commission in 2022, stating: "the Kimberley has been experiencing an acute shortage of ECEC and OSHC services in recent years."

In 2022, this reached a point of crisis, as workforce shortages and other challenges led to a reduction of services and in some cases: closed altogether.

The ranger's strategy aims to improve this by supporting flexible working arrangements for women who care for young children by 2026.