“Women in forestry”, a pilot project developed by Junior Achievement Romania with the support of Ingka Investments Romania, involved 449 students in activities for orientation towards forestry professions.
- Junior Achievement (JA) Romania and Ingka Investments Romania have developed the project “Women in forestry”, dedicated to cultivating the interest of young people, especially girls, in the forestry professions.
- A total of 449 pupils from 16 middle and high schools in Iasi, Neamt and Vrancea counties benefited from applied learning activities to explore career options centered on forest management.
- 10 Ingka Investments Romania professionals joined as volunteers in the classroom, job shadow and case study activities.
Junior Achievement (JA) Romania and Ingka Investments Romania have implemented this school year the project “Women in Forestry” – a pilot initiative to encourage young people to enter the forestry profession and to motivate girls to enter a field considered as preferred by boys.
A total of 449 pupils (240 girls) from 16 schools located in mainly rural communities in the counties of Iasi, Neamt and Vrancea benefited from applied learning activities aimed both at developing a set of general skills needed for integration towards the labour market, as well as a better knowledge of what is specific to forestry professions and training. Building on this success, Ingka Investments is committed to moving forward with a second phase of the project, aiming to further diversify and strengthen the forestry sector.
Through this project, we want to demonstrate that women have a crucial role in protecting and managing natural resources and that the future of forestry can be more diverse and inclusive. Ingka Investments Romania is proud to support this initiative that promotes gender equality and professional development of women in the forestry sector. We recognise that the transition between the different stages of education can be a time full of questions and uncertainties, especially for teenagers. For this reason, we have launched the ”Women in Forestry” project – to provide support and guidance to female students in middle and high schools. We encourage them to continue their studies and explore the fascinating world of forestry. Our aim is to give them a broader perspective on careers in silviculture and to address the common challenges associated with this profession. As we prepare for the next phase, we remain dedicated to making forestry a viable and attractive option for women, underlining our long-term commitment to inclusivity and sustainability in the sector”, said Cristina Igescu, Human Resources Manager at Ingka Investments Romania.
The exploration of career options in forest management was carried out through the voluntary participation of 10 Ingka Investments Romania professionals.
During more than 130 hours, consisting of 20 classroom activities, 3 job shadow activities and 4 case study activities, the volunteers presented to the students what it means to work in forestry: types of jobs and specific responsibilities, required studies, career development opportunities and motivation for such professions.
“Through Women in Forestry project, we aim to empower young girls to discover their passion for nature and inspire them to pursue careers in forestry. Professions such as forester, forestry engineer or technician have traditionally been considered male-dominated. We want to change these perceptions and open new horizons for young women, showing them that there are countless opportunities for a successful professional future in this field”, said Bogdan Banică, Operational Risk and Compliance Leader, Ingka Investments Romania.
The authentic experience of the project was complemented by visits to forest areas in the 3 counties and an educational material dedicated to real-life success stories, showing how professions such as forest engineer, senior forest technician or forest employee relations officer have become accessible to women over time.
“I enjoyed the context and the discussion about the importance of the forest, and I learned about a profession I hadn’t thought of as an option.” – student, Glodenii Gândului Secondary School, Iasi County
“I liked most about this activity the stories in the forest that were presented to us and the way the volunteer told us about the first woman forestry engineer in Romania.” – pupil, Regina Maria Secondary School Bicaz, Neamt county
“My conclusion from the successful examples presented in the project is that gender does not define a job. Even if you are a woman, you can work in this field with great success.” – student, Câmpuri Secondary School, Vrancea County
The project also includes a component of private scholarships to encourage students to attend and continue their studies in a secondary school. Nine eighth grade students were selected on the basis of a motivational essay and their academic results from: Mădârjac Secondary School, Dimitrie Sturdza Popești Secondary School, Glodenii Gândului Secondary School (Iasi County), Grigore Ungureanu Ceahlău Secondary School, Hangu Secondary School, Iustin Pîrvu Poiana Teiului Secondary School (Neamt county), Câmpuri Secondary School, Eremia Grigorescu Mărășești Technological High School and Regina Maria Vintileasca Secondary School (Vrancea county).
“Women in Forestry” is an opportunity for young women to explore their passion for the environment and sustainable forest management methods and to develop their interest and motivation to pursue specific professions. At the end of the project, 25% of students indicated that they were likely or very likely to choose a forestry high school or college over other majors.