This brief describes the constraints as well as opportunities of women in the wood-based supply chain, from a case study that focuses on The Association of Women Producers and Traders of Secondary Forest Products (MALEBI) in Côte d’Ivoire. Within the framework of an agreement with the Ivorian government, MALEBI produces and sells charcoal from wood harvested in the Ahua gazetted forest and, in return, is committed to reforesting 5 hectares per year in the same forest area. The members of female producer organizations from seven communities around the Ahua forest participate in the reforestation activity.

In this report, FAO, Twin, KIT and other case holders take a close look at gender inequalities in the cocoa and coffee sectors, and their underlying causes. The included case studies are structured around four themes including: women’s participation and leadership in producer organisations, women’s access to land, the household approach and innovations in extension services. The report also explores how to address inequalities systematically and how to bring the solutions to scale.