This paper presents the 4 WINS approach, developed by the FAO Forestry Division, as a strategic model to advance women’s entrepreneurship and leadership across forest value chains while delivering social, economic and environmental gains. The approach promotes four mutually reinforcing pathways: (i) Wider access to markets, financial resources and decision-making; (ii) Innovation driven by diverse knowledge systems and inclusive leadership; (iii) Natural resources conservation and restoration through equitable stewardship; and (iv) Sustainable practices that strengthen forest resilience and forest-dependent livelihoods.
Drawing on evidence from diverse contexts, including Africa, Asia and Latin America, the paper demonstrates that when women have secure rights, access to finance and technology, and meaningful participation in governance, they drive measurable improvements in income generation, biodiversity conservation, restoration outcomes and community resilience. Case studies from programmes such as the Forest and Farm Facility, the Sustainable Wildlife Management Programme, the Mountain Partnership and the WeCan Initiative illustrate how women-led enterprises, collective action, digital innovation and gender-transformative approaches can deliver scalable impact.
The paper argues that unlocking this potential requires systemic change. Gender-transformative policies, legal and institutional reforms, investments in care infrastructure, gender-responsive financing and support for women’s organizations are essential to dismantle structural barriers. By adopting and operationalizing the 4 WINS approach, governments, development partners and financial institutions can accelerate progress toward inclusive forest economies, resilient landscapes and the achievement of global biodiversity, climate and sustainable development goals.
Authors: Mauro Bottaro and Lucia Gerbaldo
Source: FAO
Required citation:
Bottaro, M. & Gerbaldo, L. 2026. When women transform forestry: The 4WINS approach towards equitable entrepreneurship and leadership across the forest sector. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cd8535en
