Forest Policy Brief 08 – Forests and Gender in a Changing Environment

This policy brief highlights that addressing the role of women in forestry is central to sustainable resource management and rural livelihood improvement. It stresses that improving women’s access to forest resources and effectively including them in decision making leads to greater investment in children’s welfare and has positive effects on economic growth and sustainable resource management. It also notes that opportunities for women to adopt new roles and improve their livelihoods are increasing but gender imbalances still threaten sustainable development. As challenges associated with globalization, food- and energy security and climate change emerge, a renewed focus on gender in forestry is needed.