Second edition of Romanian ‘Girls in Forestry’ program sees over 320 students offered new career prospects

Between March and June 2025, 326 (including 147 girls) ages 13 to 18 participating in over 140 hours of practical and interactive activities including classroom sessions, job shadowing and forest-based practical activities.

“Participating in this activity was a beautiful and interactive experience. In addition to what we do at school, we now had the opportunity to directly observe the work carried out and receive detailed explanations. We found out new information about what effort it requires and what the costs of a job are. This program offers us real training for work in the field.” – student, Forestry Technical College, Piatra Neamț.

As the forestry profession has evolved from physical fieldwork to planning, research, and the use of digital technologies, forestry has become an increasingly viable career choice for women – although their presence is still marginal. The “Girls in Forestry” project offers girls the opportunity to discover the potential of a prosperous career, anchored in responsibility, technology, science and a deep connection with nature.

“At Ingka Investments, we believe that gender equality is a shared responsibility and a key to a better future. In Romania, we know that the forestry sector needs several diverse voices – especially women. By supporting today’s young women, we are building a more balanced, resilient and sustainable forest sector for tomorrow.” – Cristina Igescu, P&C Manager, Ingka Investments Romania.

In a first for the program, one student was rewarded for her engagement with a private scholarship, personal development sessions and participation in professional training internships.

The two editions of the program have been attended by 775 students from 29 secondary schools and high schools from 4 counties in the region of Moldova.