[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]
By Shumirai Chimombe
An expedition of 124 women from around the globe – including South African conservationist Aaniyah Martin – set sail to Antarctica in January on a voyage to promote the planet’s long-term sustainability. As part of their journey, these intrepid participants with backgrounds in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine (STEMM) got to experience first-hand the impact of global warming on one of the earth’s most vulnerable ecosystems, while using their expertise to advance research and sustainability initiatives. The cohort of women came from 24 countries, including Australia, the United States, China, Spain, the UK, and Saudi Arabia.
This expedition was an initiative by Homeward Bound, a not-for-profit, groundbreaking global leadership initiative for women leaders with a background in STEMM. Its aim is to heighten the influence and impact of women in making decisions that shape our planet.
We caught up with Aaniyah to share with us her experience and what key lessons she learned from this adventure of learning and discovery.
Can you tell us about your work as a conservationist and your focus within STEMM?
As a conservationist and intersectional environmentalist, my work centres around biodiversity and promoting sustainable environmental practices, with a strong emphasis on social justice. I have always been motivated by the intersection of environmental conservation, science, and social equity. Within STEMM I focus on leveraging scientific research and technology to support conservation efforts.
My work involves collaborating with local communities and organisations to develop strategies that address both environmental protection for a sustainable and just world, ensuring that conservation efforts are rooted in both scientific research and community engagement. Additionally, as a programme facilitator with Homeward Bound, I have the privilege of helping women in STEMM develop leadership and communication skills, enabling them to use their expertise to create actionable strategies for sustainability. This role allows me to merge my passion for conservation with the empowerment of women in leadership, fostering long-term global collaborations for environmental change.
What inspired you to join this expedition?
Homeward Bound presents a remarkable opportunity to be part of a global community of women leaders committed to driving positive environmental change. What inspired me to join this expedition was the chance to collaborate with brilliant women from diverse backgrounds, all united by a passion for creating a sustainable future. Antarctica, with its delicate ecosystems and vulnerability to climate change, offers an incredible learning environment for those of us working to combat environmental degradation.
As a programme facilitator, I’m particularly inspired by how Homeward Bound fosters long-term, impactful collaborations. A prime example is Women for the Environment in Africa (WE Africa), co-founded by Colleen Begg, a former Homeward Bound participant. Colleen’s journey demonstrates how the programme can spark region-specific initiatives that elevate women in environmental leadership. Being a past WE Africa fellow, I’ve had the privilege of learning and growing with African women in the environmental sector, and I’m proud to be involved in both transformative programmes – Homeward Bound and WE Africa – each driving lasting change in the environmental field.
What was the journey from Argentina to Antarctica like, and how long did it take?
The journey from Argentina to Antarctica was a thrilling and humbling experience. We travelled by ship – The Island Sky – navigating the Drake Passage of the Southern Ocean for about two days before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula. The sea was turbulent, but as we neared Antarctica, the landscape transformed into a breathtaking vista of icebergs, snow, and glaciers, making the journey feel truly extraordinary. In many ways, the journey itself reflected the broader journey we are all on to address climate change and environmental degradation – full of challenges but also immense rewards and hope, especially when we witness the beauty and fragility of ecosystems like Antarctica.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.topbusinesswomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/476001083_995212799323216_6537298682825396919_n.jpg” title_text=”476001083_995212799323216_6537298682825396919_n” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
How long did you spend in Antarctica, and what was the experience like?
We spent about two weeks in Antarctica, and the experience was both awe-inspiring and sobering. It’s a place where the beauty of nature collides with the urgent reality of its vulnerability. The land and seascapes were exquisite – immense glaciers, towering icebergs, and a stark yet pristine wilderness. But as we explored, we also witnessed the tangible impacts of climate change, from retreating ice shelves to changing wildlife patterns. These reminders of how the planet is changing only deepened my commitment to conservation work. Being surrounded by some of the world’s leading scientists in polar research, I gained invaluable insights into the ongoing environmental shifts occurring in the region. These experiences will be crucial in shaping my conservation strategies, both locally in South Africa and on a broader global scale.
What visible impacts of climate change did you witness there?
One of the most striking visible impacts was the significant retreat of glaciers along the coast, which was particularly concerning given the rapid pace of ice melt in recent years. As ice shelves and glaciers continue to melt, the delicate balance of the ecosystem is disrupted, threatening the survival of various species such as penguins. These visible impacts served as a poignant reminder of the urgency of addressing climate change and protecting ecosystems that are already showing the signs of irreversible damage.
What was it like collaborating with women leaders in STEMM from around the world?
Collaborating with women leaders from diverse backgrounds was one of the most inspiring aspects of the expedition. Each participant brought a unique perspective, and together we formed a dynamic and supportive network of women dedicated to addressing climate change and environmental degradation.
The opportunity to learn from each other, exchange ideas, and build lasting relationships was invaluable. As a programme facilitator with Homeward Bound, my role is to help women in STEMM develop the skills to lead, communicate, and collaborate effectively. The global community created through Homeward Bound is powerful, and being part of that network is a constant source of inspiration and motivation. Through collaboration, we are not only empowering ourselves but also shaping the future of environmental leadership on a global scale.
What key lessons did you take away, and how can your expertise in STEMM help tackle global sustainability challenges?
One of the key lessons I took away was the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of our planet – how changes in one part of the world can have far-reaching effects across the globe. The vulnerability of polar regions like Antarctica emphasises the urgent need for global collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in order to address climate change and other environmental threats.
By combining my expertise in conservation science with the leadership and communication skills gained through initiatives like Homeward Bound, I am better equipped to tackle global sustainability challenges. The insights gained from the expedition will inform my work back in South Africa, particularly in addressing local issues such as biodiversity loss and water scarcity. My goal is to translate these lessons into actionable strategies that protect both people and the planet.
What advice do you have for women leaders striving to drive change and address global issues like climate change?
My advice is simple: be bold, collaborate, and never underestimate your power to drive change. Women in leadership roles, particularly in STEMM fields, have a unique opportunity to shape the future of sustainability. Embrace your passion and curiosity, build strong networks, and work together to find solutions that are both innovative and inclusive.
Initiatives like Homeward Bound provide a vital platform for women to develop the leadership skills they need to make a lasting impact. I encourage women, particularly from Africa, to apply for the #HB10 Online Leadership Programme and be part of this transformative programme. The collective strength of women working together in environmental leadership can – and will – create real, lasting change.
For more information about Homeward Bound and its programmes, go to their website
Aaniyah Martin is a conservationist and intersectional environmentalist, whose work centres around biodiversity and promoting sustainable environmental practices, with a strong emphasis on social justice.
Photo credit: Jacki Bruniquel
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https://www.topbusinesswomen.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Aaniyah-Martin-website.jpg” title_text=”Aaniyah Martin – website” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
[/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]