Celebrating women at the forefront of forestry
In celebration of women’s month, Forestry South Africa is releasing a series of articles by women who are driving the Forestry Industry and its value chain forwards, helping the Sector address the issues of today and prepare for the challenges of tomorrow.
“It has been an immense privilege to work with these women and to understand the integral role they have in shaping the Forestry Sector and ensuring a more sustainable future. They are women who have followed their dreams, are deeply passionate about what they do and are committed to making a difference. As such, we need to be promoting them as forestry role models, both to women already in the Sector and to future generations who want to grow their career in forestry.” says Dr Katy Johnson, FSA Communication Consultant.
The eleven articles illustrating the integral role of women in the Forestry Sector are presented as an infographic that houses links to each article on the FSA website. They cover topics such as Gender Equality by Forest Sector Charter Council Executive Director, Director Makhosazana Mavimbela, Environmental Stewardship by Sappi Forests Divisional Environmental Manager, Hlengiwe Ndlovu, and The Lasting Impact of Community Initiatives by MTO’s Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer, Itumeleng Langeni.
“In previous years, the focus of FSA’s Womens’ Month celebration has been on the women in question, looking at their personal journeys, accomplishments and future aspirations. This year the emphasis has shifted and is instead being placed on the impact women are having on the Forestry Sector. The change in emphasis has been driven by the women themselves who are happy to be role models for other women to aspire to, but want to be recognised for the impact they are having on the Sector rather than for being a woman in it”, explains Katy.
“In the four decades I have worked in the Forestry Sector, I have watched it transform from an industry with very few female representatives to one where women can be found across the spectrum, occupying positions on the ground and in the boardroom. We have female firefighters, foresters, CEOs, machine operators and researchers. Women are leading forestry teams – they are heading research departments and are chairing Working Groups and Executive Committees. I am proud to say gender barriers of yesteryear are no more and both women and the industry are benefitting from this,” explains Judy Dowsett, FSA Office Manager.
Meet the women at the forefront of forestry
Click on their image to ready their article in full, alternatively, download the infographic and read each article when you are ready to.
Ms Makhosazana Mavimbela
Executive Director, Forest Sector Charter Council
Ms Itumeleng Langeni
Chief Stakeholder Relations Officer, MTO
Ms Louise van Wyk
Area Environmental Manager, Sappi Forests
Chairperson FSA’s Environmental Management Committee
Ms Jacqui Meyer
Secretariat of TIPWG
Ms Busi Mnguni
Chairperson FSA’s Executive Committee
Ms Hlengiwe Ndlovu
Divisional Environmental Manager, Sappi Forests
Ms Melissa Reynolds
DNA Fingerprinting Platform Manager, Forest Molecular Genetic Programme
Dr Ilaria Germishuizen
Group Leader: Sustainable Forest Research, ICFR
Dr Tatenda Mapeto
Forestry Lecturer, Nelson Mandela University
Ms Krelyne Andrew
General Manager, Sustainability Dissolving Pulp, Sappi Forests
Dr Eija Laitinen
Head of the FOREST21 project