Synthesis: Women as stewards of environmental and social transformations in tropical forests

What happens when women lead in forest landscapes? Across the tropics, women are playing powerful but often overlooked roles in conserving forests, sustaining livelihoods, and strengthening communities. From Indigenous knowledge keepers to rural entrepreneurs, their contributions are wide-ranging and transformative. Yet, they continue to face persistent barriers like land insecurity, limited access to finance, and exclusion from decision-making. This issue of Tropical Forest Issues explores how women are reshaping forest governance and challenging the status quo. Through case studies from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, the articles show how inclusive policies, legal reform, and gender-responsive approaches are not only empowering women but also leading to healthier forests and more resilient communities. When women have a seat at the table, forests are better protected, biodiversity is preserved, and intergenerational knowledge thrives. As global pressures on tropical forests mount, supporting women as agents of change is not just fair, it’s essential for a sustainable future.