Innovative pathways for efficient involvement of girls and young women in the forestry sector - Fem2forests

Summary of the project: 

​The Fem2forests project addresses challenges in the forestry sector, including labor shortages and a decline in interest among girls and young women. The project aims to create innovative 

career pathways, enhance gender perspectives in forestry education, and establish conditions for 

increased women participation.  

Using an interactive and multi-stakeholder-driven model, the project spans from early career orientation 

to leadership positions. Through workshops, surveys, and interviews, the needs and interests of 

girls and young women in forestry are identified. Collaboration with education institutions, employers, and stakeholders ensures a diverse workforce promoting sustainable development, especially in rural areas.

By engaging target groups from the start, Fem2forests seeks to significantly increase the 

proportion of young women in the forestry sector by 2030. In the context of labor shortages in the forestry sector, the project aims to change perceptions, making it more attractive and inclusive

 for future generations, ultimately bringing a fresh perspective to the industry in Danube region. 

Project goals 

General goal of the project is to increase the share of women in the forestry sector by 2030 by empowering, supporting and accompanying girls and young women to develop career paths in the forestry sector. 

Specific goals: 

• Development of innovative career paths for girls and young women in forestry sector,  

• Strengthening the capacity of the forestry education institutions through the gender perspective,  

• Creation of framework for efficient involvement of girls and young women in the forestry sector. 

Main activities: 

1.1. Identification of needs by a participatory approach 

1.2. Best Practices of career orientations in the field of forestry 

1.3. Design of impulses, attraction, and incentives needed for girls and young women to encourage them to enter the forestry sector

2.1. Analysis of career paths of female forestry professionals 

2.1. Recommendations and innovative concepts for gender awareness and competences in educational and training institutions 

2.3. Pilot actions 

3.1. Awareness raising campaign 

3.2. Female Ambassador Program 

3.3. Preparing the forestry sector for women leadership