Happy Women’s Day
This year, we are using Women’s Month to address one of forestry’s most persistent misconceptions: forestry is a man’s world.
An outdated view
While the workforce might still be male-dominated in some spheres, the past five decades have seen women not just survive but thrive in forestry-related careers.
Moving into the 21st century, silvicultural and technological advancements have helped break down gender barriers with women considered to be well-equipped to take on the physical nature of forestry. We are seeing successful women come to the fore in every role within the sector, from machine operator to chief financial officer.
Forestry, today and tomorrow
We need to promote a vision of forestry where both men and women can run operations, control heavy machinery, own forestry businesses or conduct the research that is helping forestry to evolve and expand.
There is a place in forestry for women as the next generation of female scientists, engineers, machine operators and IT specialists.
By dispelling the ‘male only’ myth, our industry can attract the brightest, most dedicated and passionate staff, irrespective of gender.
Femme focus
Forestry Explained has produced a series that profiles some of the successful women who have carved out careers for themselves in forestry-related areas. “Some have dedicated their lives to the sector, others are just at the start of their career, but all have one thing in common – the wish to dispel the myth that forestry is a man’s world,” says Michael Peter, executive director of FSA.
We hope that their stories will inspire others to set down roots in the sector too. Make sure you check out this inspirational group of women with a collective 350 years of experience who, along with their male and female colleagues, are helping our industry grow.