The International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) is a leading global network and international organisation devoted to forest science and research cooperation. It plays a crucial role in addressing environmental, economic, and social issues related to forests and forest-related scientific cooperation worldwide. In 2020, Dr. Susanne Koch was asked to join the newly established IUFRO Task ‘Gender Equality in Forestry’ which set out to promote gender equality within the network and provide insights on how gender issues affect research in the field. 

In 2024, the Task Force has published a comprehensive gender analysis on IUFRO, and launched a Massive Open Online Course on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in forest-related sectors (ForGEDI). Susanne contributed to both deliverables, drawing on the expertise and insights generated by the In-Forest project. 

The gender analysis published by the Task Force is the first report ever that maps and critically scrutinizes gender patterns within the global network. Based on original research including statistical analyses, surveys and interviews, it identifies factors that contribute to inequalities, highlights existing initiatives to address inequalities, and makes recommendations for future actions to enhance gender equality and inclusion in IUFRO and the field of forest science more generally. 

Susanne has contributed two chapters to the report: in the chapter “Gender in research” (2.2.), she gives a brief overview of existing scholarship on the extent of gender (in-) equality in science overall and forest science in particular, sketches its significance for research outcomes and outlines major explanatory factors for the persistence of gender gaps despite equality measures in place. In the chapter “Gender balance and geographical representation at IUFRO World Congresses” (4.2.), she summarises key insights from an earlier study conducted with Elena Matviichuk on gender and geographical patterns manifesting at IUFRO World Congresses, which are among the largest scientific events happening in the field. 

The Massive Open Online Course on Gender Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in forest-related sectors (ForGEDI) has been launched in April 2024 on the FutureLearn platform. It is based on the understanding that in today’s evolving forest-related sectors, understanding and integrating gender equality, diversity, and inclusion (GEDI) is crucial for fostering sustainability and facilitating transformative change. Therefore, the course delves into the pivotal role of GEDI within forest-related sectors, providing insights and practical approaches to fostering an inclusive environment. It aims to empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to advance gender equality and promote diversity and inclusion in forestry-related fields.

Enrollment in the MOOC as well as receiving the certificate upon completion are both free of charge. The course is designed for students, educators and professionals in forestry, environmental science, natural resource management and related fields seeking to integrate GEDI strategies in forestry practices for sustainable and inclusive futures. Coordinated by the Università degli Studi di Padova, the SLU – Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, and the Université de Moncton, the course programme consists of articles, video and audio lectures, quizzes and interactive steps that have been provided by 40 scholars and experts across five continents. Susanne has contributed an introductory article entitled “(In-) equality, diversity and inclusion in forest science: why it matters” which students engage with during the first week.  

Report:  Elias Andersson, Gun Lidestav and Maria Johansson (eds), 2024, Gender analysis of IUFRO: Identifying opportunities to enhance gender equality across the IUFRO network. Report prepared by the IUFRO Task Force on Gender Equality, IUFRO, 63 pages. 

Available at: https://www.iufro.org/science/task-forces/gender-equality-in-forestry/

Massive Open Online Course on Gender Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Forestry-related Sectors (ForGEDI)