This note focuses on women’s livelihoods and employment in the forest sector, highlighting key issues of access to and ownership of forest resources and land, and practical guidelines, including a checklist and indicators, to mainstream gender in the sustainable forest management project cycle. The note presents an overview of the challenges women face in accessing forest resources and the impact on livelihoods and employment opportunities, and highlights a range of entry points for women’s socio-economic empowerment in the sector, including access to technology and extension support; participation at different levels of the value chain and in forest management committees.