Inverde

Equal opportunities policy

The projects ‘Groen Geleerd’ and ‘Groener geleerd’ fit in the equal opportunities policy. At present the forest, nature and green space sector is mainly a man’s world.

Both projects promoted the training of female workers in forest and nature conservation management. They were primarily – but not exclusively – focused on women who wanted to be active in the management of nature conservation areas. By now both projects are finished.

Besides a theoretical approach on management of nature and forests, these women specifically acquired a number of skills on handling machines like mowers, chainsaws, tractors… Safety at work and a correct aptitude towards work were central issues. The training also included courses like first aid, ergonomics and social skills.

These projects helped to give men and women equal training opportunities in the sector. Inevitably, this also affects the employment opportunities and the career development of these women.

Both projects were supported by the European Social Fund (ESF) and the Flanders Social and Economic Council.

Inverde was in charge of the technical and practical training, the social skills training was given by Impuls vzw.

Strategisch Plan Kempen (SPK) (Strategic plan for the Kempen) took care of the social guidance, the trainee posts and the subscriptions to the project. Inverde also received active support from the association of nature conservation Natuurpunt (the training venue, machines...) and the Vlaamse Dienst voor Arbeidsbemiddeling en Beroepsopleiding (Flemish Service for employment mediation and vocational training) (recruitment, application training, insurance...).