Sammlung von Newsfeeds

Eight out of eleven indicators of gender equality in the Swedish forest sector show male dominance. This is shown by the first compilation of the Forest Sector’s gender equality indicators. At the same time, the Forest Sector’s Gender Equality Council has decided on a new multi-million-sek investment for increased gender equality in the forest. Source: Timberbiz The Forest Sector Gender Equality Council, with 35 organizations behind it, was formed in 2022. It is a unique industry initiative and national forum for dialogue and action with the aim of achieving a gender-equal forest sector. As part of this work, the council has for the first time compiled a series of indicators that show what gender equality looks like in areas such as education, individual ownership and working life. The statistics will be followed up once a year and will provide an overall picture of gender equality work in the sector, now and over time. According to the compilation, eight of the 11 indicators show gender inequality. For example, only 3% of machine operators are women, something for which there were no statistics before. The majority of timber buyers are men, and there is also an imbalance in training. Men also own larger areas on average. “Diversity and equality are a matter of competitiveness, and our industry has a job to do here. For example, only three percent of forest machine operators are women in forestry, while the transport sector has around 20%. With joint investments, we can achieve a change that is positive for both people and profitability,” Lotta Lyrå, CEO of Södra said. At the council meeting, the Gender Equality Council also decided on an extra investment worth one million kronor. Through a new financing model, the Gender Equality Council’s continued work as an umbrella for gender equality work in the sector can be secured. The co-financing strengthens and streamlines the work of developing, coordinating and communicating knowledge about gender equality work. “When so many actors together show will and power, I am convinced that we can also seriously bring about change. It is a matter of justice that everyone, regardless of gender, should have the same opportunities to influence forestry but also to train and work in the forest sector,” said Herman Sundqvist, Director General of the Swedish Forest Agency.