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Today’s forest sector is changing, and many organizations are making strides toward implementing gender equity measures and recruiting women.
But there’s more work to be done.

 
 
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Currently, statistics in Canada’s
forest sector show:

  • Only 19%* are women;

  • In addition, and inclusive of women, statistics show that only 9% are visible minorities;

  • 7% are Indigenous;

  • and 12% are Immigrants

The forest sector is currently primed for growth with the emergence of new sectors and employment opportunities. A huge opportunity exists to transform the workforce. With more diverse voices at the table, gender balanced sectors are more creative, profitable, and innovative.

*Census data shows that between 2016 and 2021 the representation of women in Canada’s forest sector increased by 2 percentage points, from 17% to 19%. A small but important increment, for which Free to Grow in Forestry has contributed and made a positive impact to Canada’s forest sector.

Companies that have the highest amount of gender diversity on their executive teams were 21 percent more likely to experience higher than average profitability.

Research shows that organizations with an inclusive culture are:

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2x as likely to exceed financial targets

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3x as likely to be high-performing 

 

6x as likely to be innovative and agile

 

8x as likely to achieve better business outcomes

Source: Juliet Bourke, Which Two Heads Are Better Than One? How Diverse Teams Create Breakthrough Ideas and Make Smarter Decisions (Australian Institute of Compant Directors, 2016). Deloitte Insights.)
Doerr, P. (2018). “The Business Case for Gender Parity.”

 
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What are some of the barriers identified in the current workplace?

  • Persistent wage gaps 

  • Low retention rates 

  • Lack of advancement opportunities

  • Workplace culture

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#ForestryForward

Women, Indigenous peoples and new Canadians working in the forest sector have access to opportunities for ongoing learning, growth, and professional development. They also contribute positively to the communities they live and work in, which in turn, helps forests thrive.

The forest sector offers dynamic and challenging work and opportunities to grow. And gender equity actions are the key to its success.

Speak up and help move #ForestryForward.