Out of the woods

Abstract

Loss of forests and other lands has a devastating effect on women and children throughout the developing world. Although women are the real caretakers of the forests, their role is being ignored in development plans. What forest resources mean to women, the work done by women in the forests, and ways in which women are being robbed of these resources are discussed. Also described is women's experience of managing forest resources. Depriving women of resources necessary for their sustenance is likely to encourage population growth because children provide a ready labour force and support in old age. The conclusion makes a plea for recognising the contribution women can make to saving the tropical forests. -D.G.Price