A woman involved in forestry in Coomacka
She joined other women involved in the forestry sector and other stakeholders for a workshop to reveal the research on Friday. And there, she told the News Room that there is a huge need for training, especially on better safety practices, for the women running the charcoal venture.
Aside from safety and general safety, the research identified other ways the women could be supported. For example, economic diversification into agriculture or tourism ventures could prove useful as has been the case in Mainstay/ Whyaka.
The research also spotlighted the need for even basic infrastructure in some of the communities.
And it noted, “Lack of regularised structure for legal land titling in these communities has also made access to finances for expansion of operation, upgrading technology or even new ventures near impossible.”
Chairperson of the Guyana Forestry Commission and Gender and Forest Group volunteer Vanessa Benn told the News Room this research is just the start.
She explained that there are many other communities dependent on the forestry sector and further research could provide valuable insights into the role of women in the sector and how targeted interventions could be supported.
And is there an appetite to support women in the sector? Benn thinks so. In fact, she pointed out that Labour Minister Joseph Hamilton highlighted training opportunities that would be made available to the women interested, free of cost.
Pollard welcomed the research and news that the Gender and Forest Group was keen on more research.
According to her, there’s much more to learn about the women making waves in the forestry sector.
A woman involved in forestry in Coomacka
