In the further development of the organization of agricultural producers and forest owners in Finland equality between the sexes will play an important role. The Central Union of Agricultural Producers and Forest Owners (MTK) has recently adopted its first equality programme.
Although at least one forest owner out of four is a woman, there are only 9 % women on the governing boards of the forestry associations and only 4 % on the Forestry Board of MTK.

Decision making bodies are now annually monitoring how the percentage share of women is developing. More information is provided about equality. Women are encouraged to participate in events organized by MTK and to accept posts as elected representatives, starting from local association level. Education, training and various events are being organized for the purpose of spreading information about forestry and organizational activities.
The network of female forest owners that has been operating for some years already will now be extended and its activities will be intensified. The aim is to facilitate female participation and encourage women to play an active role in organizational work.
For further information, please contact Ms Lea Jylhä, forestry expert at MTK, e-mail address lea.jylhä@mtk.fi