Author Description

This study on women and the forest industry has the following objectives: to identify the current situation for women in forestry and forest-reliant communities; to identify opportunities to enhance women's participation in forest sector employment and value-added sectors; and to facilitate pilot training and employment projects in forest-reliant communities. Study methodology included a literature review, analysis of data on the forestry labour force and women's participation in it, and case studies of four forest-reliant communities in British Columbia. Research in each community consisted of analysis of 1991 Census data; interviews with local and regional representatives from industry, labour, government, and equity groups; an opportunities and issues workshop involving women and forest industry stakeholders; and a telephone survey of women from 100 households randomly selected from the four communities. Findings presented include population profiles of women province-wide, in forestry, and in the four communities; highlights of the household surveys; and recommendations arising from the issues and opportunities workshop. The appendix includes a copy of the survey questionnaire.