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In Uganda, women are taking flight in the world's fastest-growing outdoor activity - birding, an industry worth billions of dollars that not only conserves nature but also serves as a potent tool for job creation and livelihood improvement.

Judith Mirembe, the chairperson of the Uganda Women Birders Association (UWBA), hosted the inaugural International Conference for Women Birders Expo at the Sheraton Hotel on December 6, 2023, expressing the association's commitment to transforming birding into an inclusive activity.

"We want it to be an activity that any nature lover or curious person can enjoy, regardless of their gender, age, or sex. There are the challenges faced by female birders, ranging from hostility and inappropriate comments to sexual harassment in the field.

We are not anti-male but want to create a community for pro-environment women, and birding is the gateway for it. We are birding for social change, intending to wield our binoculars for good causes," said Mirembe.

Herbert Byaruhanga of Bird Uganda Safaris echoed these sentiments, noting instances where inappropriate tourists and drivers have stalked ladybird guides.

“This conference is calling for gender balance. Because the higher you get to the top of birding, conservation, and academic ranks, the more the gender balance tips," observed Byaruhanga.

The IC4WBC in Uganda serves as a platform to challenge prejudices, attract more participants to birding, and elevate it as a sport. Attendees from diverse backgrounds, including photographers, chefs, and educationists, are gathered here to share their love for birding.”

The expo also included workshops to enhance photography skills, with a focus on techniques such as Discoping. Jeff Bouton encouraged participants to leverage digital platforms, emphasizing the importance of networking and sharing findings to enhance their presence in the birding community.

“The demographic trends in birding tourism have the major sources of birders as the UK, Netherlands, and Germany. There is a growing interest among retired individuals who have more disposable income, preferring birding safaris that include cultural experiences and activities like white-water rafting,” explained Bouton.

Uganda, with its unique variety of birdlife near the Congo and Rwanda border, stands out as a global birding destination. The easily accessible birding safari destinations contribute to Uganda's appeal, attracting birders from around the world.

As women continue to assert their presence in this growing industry, the future of birding looks diverse, inclusive, and promising in Uganda.

The practical part of the workshop involved shooting photos of birds in the Sheraton gardens, the panoramic view of treed avenues, Kibuli Mosque, the Entebbe Kampala highway and the other hills seen from the top of the floor. Weaverbirds, Marabou storks, Cattle Egrets, and Hadada Ibis made up the 100 species seen in 24 hours.

After the two-day symposium, some participants are destined to Mburo National Park in Mbarara, adventure in Jinja and Gorilla tracking in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest.

The Private Sector Foundation Uganda CEO Steven Asimwe says Uganda has the potential to attract more than 100,000 worth $700m (sh2Trillion). Adding that, the members of PSFU are quickly identifying the monetary value of conserving forests.

“There is Kasenge Forest in Mukono, a privately owned forest regenerated by an individual, Igongo Cultural Center in Mbarara City, and Inshenyi Cultural Village in Ntungamo. Birds are a gold mine. Each region serves as a habitat for different birds which renders the whole country an attraction,” said Asimwe.  “This festive season Christians ought to eat their turkeys while appreciating the role birds play in the eco-balance.”