March 8, 2023
For International Women's Day, we asked our very dear and talented Estelle to tell us about her experience as a tree planter and the place of women in forestry. Enjoy!
[free translation] " The year I started planting, I remember my father saying something like 'you won't last three weeks' and in my head I was like I have to last three weeks and one day, at least I will have been right. Somehow, I think it was that kind of determination that kept me planting after so many years. Right from the start, I was often told in life that I couldn't do such and such a thing, that I wouldn't be able to, that I'm not strong enough, that it's not "a job for women ". I definitely think that the place of women in the forestry industry tends to contradict this stereotype that women are not able to perform on the pretext that they are less physically strong than men. In my opinion, women shine today in many circles which before were more reserved for men not only by her physical strength, but especially by her mental strength and her incredible capacity for resilience. As for me, you may be an Olympic athlete, but if your psychological strength is not there, it can be quite hard to find yourself alone with yourself and all the challenges that tree planting can bring. I also think that women can bring lightness, gentleness and empathy in this kind of life context which can be very demanding psychologically. Of course, this kind of characteristic can be attributed to both men and women, but I think it can be much less confronting to share your difficulties and your emotional states of mind with someone towards whom you don't necessarily feel an unhealthy competition. I believe that my maternal side has brought comfort around me through my many years in reforestation and it is definitely something close to my heart. I think I managed to carve out a place for myself in this industry, and despite the fact that I am very girly and feminine I have never felt diminished or incapable because of that and for me it is really precious. Yes, it's true that my physical abilities are not the same as some tree planters. It's also true that I cry often, that I can be emotional or sensitive, but rather than being told that I'm not capable or not good enough, I was encouraged, helped and supported. It speaks a lot about the open-mindedness and the love that can be found in a team, regardless of your age, gender or skin color, in the end it's not really the person that you represent that defines you, but the one you are at heart. Lots of love "
-Estelle Cloutier