Around the world, women are not only dedicated to managing these critical ecosystems, but they are also leading the way in advancing gender equality and reshaping their role in environmental conservation efforts.

While forest management and governance have long been dominated by men, research shows that women’s perspectives are equally important in forest conservation and restoration efforts: Women often have unique knowledge about trees and forests based on their different roles in forest management, and this knowledge has been applied in forest protection and monitoring activities.

However, this knowledge and women’s role in forest governance are underrecognized, and women still face barriers to participating in forest resource decision-making processes. Addressing gender-related challenges in forest management, such as cultural norms, underrepresentation of women in decision-making and leadership, and legal and social barriers, can empower women while yielding better outcomes for environmental conservation and improved quality of life.

Women’s capacity to manage forest resources can be enhanced by ensuring equal access to technology and tools that can expand access to data, and by facilitating women’s active involvement in forest policy development and management processes. As more women emerge as leaders in this field, they will inspire others to take the lead and benefit from forest management and protection, breaking down limiting social norms, and paving the way for more inclusive and sustainable policies and actions.

Last year, in honor of the United Nations’ International Women’s Day — which in 2023 focuses on innovation and technology for gender equality — Global Forest Watch (GFW) hosted a webinar to recognize the incredible women we have worked with over the years through our Small Grants Fund and Tech Fellowship.

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