The Gender and Forests Group (“the Group”) is a collection of development practitioners concerned with deepening the positive connections between gender and forests. Participants in the Group are practitioners, some representing institutions involved in the pursuit of sustainable development, forest management and conservation, and gender. Currently, membership in the G&F Group is on an informal basis.
Based on conversations and relationships that identified gender and forests[1] as a thematic area of interest, the first Gender and Forests Group meeting was convened in February 2020. This inaugural meeting began an exploration of how the relationship between gender and forests can be documented, analysed, and strengthened.
In exploring the contours of gender and forests, participants felt that building on existing strengths represented an opportunity for deepening the role of gender in forest-related processes. The Group also explored opportunities for strengthening the linkage between gender and forest-related processes, such as policy-making, livelihoods and forest governance.
In attempting to define the gender and forest relationship and the opportunities for strengthening that relationship, the Group identified data as a key resource for determining possible future actions that could be taken via the institutions involved. It was also recognised that while gender-related data is generally lacking, some data does exist.
To this end, the Gender and Forests Group undertook a first phase research initiative titled “A Desk Review of Gender and Forests (Guyana),” completed in January 2022. Later that year, a second phase of original research, titled “Gender and Forest Research Report”, was done in four communities in Regions 1, 4 and 10.
Ultimately, the Group wishes to see evidence-based actions being taken to strengthen the connection between gender and forests. The Group also intends to help build national capacity to design and implement forest-related projects and policies that positively impact gender.
[1] “Forests” is used to capture all the economic and socio-cultural activities in forested areas.
Meet our Group of Experts
- Anna Correia de Sa
Anna is a development consultant with over 10 years of experience in policy development and programme management. She worked in the public sector, with civil society and in international development cooperation. Her portfolio includes forest governance, human rights and civil society partnerships, Indigenous Peoples and women’s rights, and social justice. Anna has a Masters in Law, Economics and Management, specialising in International Humanitarian Action and Governance from the University of Paris XII.
- Basmatee Mohabeer
Basmatee is an environmentalist in Guyana focusing on forest management, forest governance, timber trade, forest protection and combating climate change. She holds a Master of Science in Carbon Management from the University of Edinburgh. Basmatee is strongly interested in achieving gender equality in the forestry sector, where women’s roles and contributions towards sustainable development are often invisible.
- Hanan Lachmansingh
Hanan is a research assistant based in Guyana. She holds a BSc in Environmental Science with Anthropology, and a Certificate in Gender and Development from The University of the West Indies. Hanan is passionate about gender justice, conservation, and Caribbean development.
- Heetasmin Singh
Heetasmin is a research consultant with a passion for environmental sustainability, community engagement, and education. This underscores her commitment to shaping a more resilient and sustainable future for Guyana. Through her multifaceted roles, including those in civil society, she continues to make meaningful contributions to academia, environmental research, and societal well-being.
- Lawrence Lachmansingh
Lawrence is a facilitator working in Guyana to ensure the effective participation of key stakeholders in forest governance strengthening processes. He has 30+ years of experience in peacebuilding, as well as political and forest governance, in Guyana and overseas. Lawrence holds an MBA from Dalhousie University.
- Lucina Singh
Lucina has twenty plus years in Agro-environmental Policy, Regulation and Projects with ten plus years in Climate Change and Environmental Policy and Ten years in Pesticide Regulation. She has a background in Environmental Studies and holds a MSc in Biology from Carleton University. Lucina is most passionate about working in Agriculture and Climate Change, both from the adaptation and mitigation fronts.
- Marisa Williams
Marisa is an environmental officer, she holds a BSc in Environmental studies and is currently pursuing an MSc in Oil and Gas with energy management from East London University. Over the last five years this young woman has worked with the Environmental Protection Agency-Guyana. Marisa is not only passionate about the environment but also of women empowerment and ensuring gender justice with her community.
- Rohini Kerrett
Rohini Kerrett is currently the Project Manager with the European Forest Institute Technical Assistance Project, which is supporting Forest Governance reforms with the Guyana Forestry Commission since 2020. Rohini started out her career 28 years ago with the Guyana Forestry Commission at the Policy and Planning Division. She then moved to the timber sector with Caribbean Resources Limited (a large-scale timber concession). She is now an accomplished project manager with experience at the Social Impact Amelioration Programme (SIMAP), EPA-UNDP Capacity Needs Assessment Project on the RIO Conventions, EU-funded Chainsaw Milling Project and The Office of Climate Change at the Office of the President. Rohini holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from the University of Guyana.
- Salima Hinds
Salima is a Caribbean feminist and gender development practitioner. She holds a MA in Gender Analysis. Based in Guyana, Salima has over 12 years experience within the civil society and international development sectors. Her work has spanned issues around empowerment of women and girls, policy reform, and gender justice.
- Simone Benn
Simone Benn, a dedicated social forester, has spent over a decade merging her passion for forestry with a commitment to community development. Throughout her career, Simone has advocated for inclusive forestry practices that prioritize the needs and perspectives of forest-dependent communities. Her efforts have not only enriched the social fabric of communities but have also contributed to the sustainable management of Guyana’s forests. With steadfast dedication to social forestry and environmental integrity, Simone continues to inspire positive changes as a leading figure in the field of social forestry in Guyana.
- Shara Seelall
Shara is a Communication for Development consultant with over 15 years of experience in biodiversity conservation, agriculture, tourism, and ICT, complemented by a Master of Science degree from the University of the West Indies. She has extensive experience working in rural communities, international organizations, and government entities. Her passion is centered on communication, and advocating for gender inclusion and sustainable development initiatives that can create better livelihoods for everyone.
GENDER AND FORESTS GROUP 