FSC upholds gender equality as a fundamental principle—ensuring that women and men have equal opportunities to realise their full potential and contribute to economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress. Our certification system actively supports UN Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, embedding fairness and inclusivity in forestry practices worldwide.
Through our Guardians of the Forest campaign, we celebrate the women accelerating responsible forestry across Australia and New Zealand in various fields. Their dedication embodies FSC’s vision of a more equitable and sustainable industry.
Tolita Davis-Angeles – Chair of the FSC Indigenous Working Group
As Chair of the FSC Indigenous Working Group and a member of the Standards Development Group working on the revision of the Australian National Forest Stewardship Standard, Tolita plays a vital role in amplifying First Nations' voices within FSC ANZ. Through her work at Gandan Yarnings, she drafted a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) guidance document, providing a key resource for meaningful First Nations engagement.
Emphasising her mission, Tolita shares: “In the Standards Development Group and the Indigenous Working Group, I strive to advocate for responsible forest stewardship and empower the voices of our First Nations people, emphasising the essential value of Indigenous knowledge, traditional practices, and cultural protocols.”
Hannah Aldridge – Australian Bluegum Plantations
Hannah's progression from plant operator to PCT Administrator at Australian Bluegum Plantations reflects her commitment to sustainability and responsible resource management.
She shares, "I enjoy working in the forestry industry because it allows me to combine my passion for sustainability, nature, and responsible resource management. As a woman in this field, I find it rewarding to challenge stereotypes and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse industry."
Karen Fifield – Wellington Zoo
Karen Fifield MNZM MInstD, Chief Executive of Wellington Zoo Te Nukuao and President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums, has been a driving force for sustainability and conservation. She has led initiatives like the Protecting Our Planet global strategy, the Carbon Reduction Guide, and the Sustainable Forest Use Guide.
Karen remarks, "For a progressive zoo like ours, FSC is so important because it is something that people here in Wellington can do to protect the wild populations of animals that we care for. Our role is to create that connection between people, animals, and FSC. That’s why we chose to become an FSC promotional licence holder and share the FSC message with our visitors.”
These stories underscore FSC's dedication to fostering an inclusive environment where women can thrive and lead. By integrating gender equality into our standards and practices, FSC ANZ aims to accelerate action towards a more sustainable and equitable forestry sector and beyond.
This International Women’s Day, we honour these Guardians of the Forest and reaffirm our commitment to advancing gender equality. Their stories inspire us to continue building a future where diversity and inclusion are at the heart of responsible forest management.
To view the other profiles we ran, visit FSC ANZ’s LinkedIn page below: