International Women’s Day 2025 Celebrations
On Saturday, 8th March 2025, the World Parrot Trust celebrated International Women’s Day by shining a light on some of the remarkable women working to protect parrots and their habitats. Across the globe, conservationists, researchers, and advocates dedicate themselves to ensuring the future of endangered species, and WPT is proud to collaborate with so many of them.
Women play a significant role in driving WPT’s mission forward, with over 70 percent of our supporters being women. Many of the key figures leading our conservation efforts – from the field to policy advocacy – are also women, making this day an opportunity to recognise their contributions and impact.
Panel Discussion: Women in Conservation
To mark the occasion, we hosted a special panel discussion titled Women in Conservation: Protecting Parrots, Protecting the Planet, featuring four conservation leaders who shared their experiences, challenges, and hopes for the future of parrot conservation.
The panel featured:
• Cristiana Senni, Bird Trade Specialist & Trustee
A dedicated advocate against the illegal parrot trade, Cristiana has worked with WPT for over 25 years, researching trade issues and helping rehabilitate confiscated birds.
• Dr. Tiwonge I. Mzumara-Gawa, Malawi Coordinator
Malawi’s first female ornithologist, Tiwonge has spent over a decade studying Lilian’s Lovebirds, leading conservation efforts across Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique while mentoring future scientists.
• Noelia Volpe, Yellow-naped Amazon Coordinator
A conservation biologist specialising in macaw and Amazon parrot conservation, Noelia leads WPT’s Yellow-naped Amazon conservation programme and also supports macaw reintroductions in Honduras.
• Joymer B. Figueroa Martínez, Wildlife Biologist
Joymer works in the Río Abajo forest, and is dedicated to ensuring the health, welfare, and future of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Amazon.
The discussion provided insight into the vital work being done to protect parrots, the challenges faced in conservation, and the importance of collaboration and community engagement in achieving long-term success.
For those who missed the discussion, the full panel can be viewed on our YouTube channel: WATCH NOW
A Message from WPT’s Chairperson
Though she was unable to join the discussion, WPT’s Chairperson, Alison Hales, shared the following words in recognition of the day:
“International Women’s Day Is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of all kinds of women. I’m lucky to be in the world of parrot conservation and welfare, where there are so many impressive women – scientists and field workers, curators and keepers, writers, administrators, funders and individual pet owners – all with incredible commitment and who are making a change for good.
I’m inspire by their knowledge, their willingness to share it, and the way they continue to take forward vital work to protect threatened species”
Spotlighting Women in Conservation Around the World
Beyond the panel, WPT’s social media channels highlighted even more of the dedicated women working in conservation. From New Zealand, where efforts continue to bring the Kākāpō back from the brink of extinction to Honduras, where a community-driven nest box programme could help boost wild populations of the critically endangered Yellow-naped Amazon, these women are leading the way in protecting parrots and the ecosystems they depend on.
At the Kiwa Centre, WPT’s dedicated team cares for nearly 130 rescued parrots, providing expert care, enrichment, and rehabilitation. To mark International Women’s Day, parrot keepers and engagement specialists shared their experiences working with these birds and how they inspire better parrot welfare globally.
While this day celebrates the work of women in conservation, the progress made in protecting parrots is the result of collaborative efforts between individuals, communities, and organisations around the world. The dedication of both women and men in this field is vital in addressing the challenges facing parrots, from habitat loss to wildlife trafficking.
WPT is honoured to work alongside so many passionate conservationists, researchers, carers, and advocates. Their commitment and perseverance are shaping a better future for parrots, and we are proud to celebrate their contributions.
To learn more about how your support of WPT is making a positive impact for parrots around the world, check out our latest impact report .
