Free to Grow in Forestry

Gender Equity in Canada’s Forest Sector Initiative

Equity in the forest sector

Free to Grow in Forestry, an unprecedented collaboration that was launched as a result of the Gender Equity in Canada’s Forestry Sector Initiative, aims to create a diverse and inclusive work force that provides the foundation for a thriving forest sector and healthy communities.

Together, we can move #ForestryForward, and it’s about time! 

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Gender Equity in Canada’s Forest Sector Initiative

The Gender Equity in Canada’s Forest Sector Initiative’s framework for action (now known as Free to Grow in Forestry – Phase 1) was launched in November 2018 by the Canadian Institute of Forestry in partnership with the Centre for Social Intelligence.

This was Canada’s first public-private funded national gender equity project and it aims to create a diverse and inclusive work force that provides the foundation for a thriving forest sector and healthy communities.

To contribute to this vision, the initiative’s Steering Committee – made up of gender champions from government, industry, academia, indigenous, and non-profit organizations – are working collaboratively across the forest sector to engage, attract, retain and advance women and inclusion and diversity.

This three-year project involved the creation of a Framework for Action that will promote gender equity across Canada’s forest sector.

Framework for Action

The Initiative’s Framework for Action has a framework with three main pillars of action:

  • Building the Evidence Base – leveraging existing data to identify gaps and establish a baseline of information on gender representation across the sector.
  • Fostering an Inclusive Culture – developing several discrete products including a resistance strategy, identifying best practices from leading companies from around the world, as well as creating an advocacy toolkit to advance gender equality in the forest sector.
  • Repositioning the Sector – Communicate and Recognize Progress – developing new branding that welcomes diverse and inclusive cultures. NEW microsite www.freetogrowinforestry.ca now live! 

Did You Know?

Data from Statistics Canada in 2017 reveals that women make up roughly 17% of the natural resources workforce, with the largest gender gaps in trades positions, as well as executive level positions and seats on Boards.