Webinar on gender in forest governance organised by the ATIBT

The overall objective of this webinar, which took place on 04 April 2024, was to discuss the gender situation in forest governance within the framework of the ADEFAC and ASP Congo projects.

Following a clarification of the gender concept by the ADEFAC and ASP Congo project technical team, the regulatory framework for gender at international, regional and strategic level was presented to the participants. It was recalled that gender is a social construct that governs the social roles of men and women and that varies according to cultural space and time. Some of the gender-related achievements of the ADEFAC and ASP Congo projects were highlighted: actions to integrate women into training activities, support for the initiatives of women's associations in the forestry sector, contribution to the empowerment of women through income-generating activities (IGAs) through training.

Despite the achievements mentioned, the participants noted the difficulties that remain in women's access to training and jobs in the forestry sector, distinguishing between those in the cultural environment, those in the professional environment and those in women's leadership.

Examples of gender mainstreaming initiatives, prompted or motivated by the certification process, were mentioned and praised, as they enable the introduction of a real approach to implementing gender and improving performance in companies. The examples of FIPCAM in Cameroon and CIB in Congo mentioned by the participants were congratulated.

The areas for improvement suggested during the exchanges and discussions included 3 areas:

Promotion of gender through various awareness-raising initiatives and positive discrimination, both in terms of access to training and access to employment or positions of responsibility in training institutions and companies.
Training players in the sector on gender, women's leadership and aspects linked to the development of the forestry sector.
Encouraging and supporting companies to obtain forestry certification.

This one-hour webinar laid the foundations for more in-depth discussions on the difficulties and areas for improvement in taking gender into account in the forestry sector.