Breaking barriers: Women in forestry
This International Women’s Day we reflect on the ongoing challenges faced by the forestry sector and the need for a more inclusive workforce. With women still underrepresented, it’s important to highlight efforts that promote gender equality and create spaces where women not only feel welcomed but truly belong.
Women are significantly underrepresented in the global forestry sector, making up approximately 10-20% of the workforce. Systemic barriers, including stereotypes and the perception of forestry as a physically demanding, male-dominated industry, have limited opportunities for women to enter and advance in the field1.
The case for ensuring gender equality throughout an organisation has long been proved2. In Europe, organisations and initiatives such as Forstfrauen in Austria, are helping to break down barriers and create more opportunities for women in forestry at local, regional, and interregional levels1.
Supporting the “Women in Forestry” program
In Romania, 22% of the forestry workforce is female, matching the EU average. The highest female representation is in the furniture and woodworking sectors, with the more physical sectors of forestry and logging continuing to be dominated by men3.
As one of the largest private forest owners in Romania, Ingka Investments is proud to support the “Women in Forestry” program in collaboration with Junior Achievement Romania. This program targets secondary and high school students, offering education, mentorship, and internship opportunities to spark interest in forestry careers, particularly among female students.
In 2024, the project engaged over 450 students, including 240 girls, and awarded EUR 4,500 in scholarships to nine female students. The second edition of the program will launch in 2025, aiming to inspire more young women to break barriers and pursue careers in forestry.
“My conclusion from the success stories presented in the project is that gender does not define a job… you can work in this field with great enthusiasm,” shared Andreea, a student from Câmpuri Secondary School, Vrancea County.
“Through this project, we want to show that the future of forestry can be more diverse and inclusive. Women not only have a place in forestry, they also have a special role to play,” said Cristina Igescu, People & Culture Manager at Ingka Investments Romania.
By fostering gender inclusivity and empowering young women to pursue careers in forestry, these initiatives are paving the way for a more diverse, innovative, and sustainable future for the sector.
Sources
1 Fem4Forest Status report (2021)
2 Deloitte Global Board Room Program, 2021
3 2020, Volume 14, International Conference Innovative Business Management & Global Entrepreneurship (IBMAGE 2020), pages: 436-449 | https://doi.org/10.18662/lumproc/ibmage2020/32
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