Gender inequality in forestry – challenges and strategies for change

Authors: Heather Arnold and Monique Bedim
Publication: New Zealand Journal of Forestry, Volume N.Z.J.For. 2024, Issue N.Z.J.For. 69(3) 2024, pp Pages 12 - 17, Nov 2024
Publisher: New Zealand Institute of Forestry

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Abstract: Gender equality is crucial for the forestry sector’s future success and sustainability. Companies with gender-diverse senior leadership teams are 50% more profitable than those without such diversity. Gender inequality remains a persistent challenge in the forestry sector, with women significantly underrepresented, particularly in operational and leadership roles. This paper examines the current state of gender disparity in forestry, exploring key contributing factors such as wage gap, lack of female representation in leadership, gender stereotypes and workplace microaggressions. As of 2024, women in New Zealand still earn 8.2% less than men on average, with the gap wider for Māori and Pasifika women. Among the top 10 forest companies in New Zealand (by management area), women occupy only 17% of senior leadership positions (from available website information). There is a lack of organisational commitment and willingness to challenge long-standing norms and practices to meaningfully address gender inequality. Women are key to the forestry sector’s success. To address these issues, the paper proposes several strategies, including developing comprehensive Gender Equality Roadmaps, setting and reporting on gender goals, addressing wage disparities, increasing women’s representation in leadership, combating stereotypes and unconscious bias, and improving workplace support for women.

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