Women in Agriculture: Bridging the Gap with Support and Empowerment
The vital contributions of women in agriculture remain undervalued, with wage disparities, lack of resources, and minimal market representation creating significant barriers. As highlighted at the inaugural 1st International Conference on Agriculture Development & Women Empowerment & Way Forward (ICADWE-2025), organized by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) in Tandojam, transformative change is needed to support women in this critical sector.
The Role of Women in Agriculture
Essential Workforce but Overlooked
Women make up approximately 67% of the agricultural workforce in Pakistan, contributing to all phases of farming—from planting and harvesting to processing and livestock management. Yet, these women often face challenges such as:
- Low wages: Women’s wages are disproportionately lower than men’s despite their labor-intensive roles.
- Minimal recognition: Their contributions remain overshadowed by male-dominated marketing roles.
- Lack of rights: Women are excluded from land ownership and decision-making processes.
According to Acting SAU Vice Chancellor Dr. Altaf Ali Siyal, equal representation and land ownership rights for women are essential to recognizing their contributions and addressing wage gaps.
Challenges Faced by Women in Agriculture
1. Health and Safety Hazards
Agricultural women endure grueling work hours—often 12 to 14 hours daily—in unsafe conditions. Anne Klervimarie Cherriere of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) emphasized their exposure to:
- Health risks: Skin diseases, musculoskeletal issues, and respiratory conditions are common.
- Climate change impacts: Women face higher vulnerability to changing weather patterns, resulting in food insecurity.
- Lack of protective equipment: Female cotton pickers lack gloves, boots, and other safety gear, leading to injuries.
2. Socio-Economic Exclusion
Women dominate agricultural labor but remain excluded from market-side activities, limiting their economic mobility.
- Unpaid labor: Much of their work goes unrecognized as they juggle household responsibilities and farming tasks.
- Lack of resources: Without access to technology, financial tools, and vocational training, women are unable to improve productivity or secure fair compensation.
3. Legal and Institutional Barriers
Social reformer Zahida Detho highlighted systemic issues, such as inadequate shelters, complaint mechanisms, and legal protections for women facing workplace exploitation. The lack of active participation by government departments in addressing these gaps further exacerbates the challenges.
Call for Action: Empowering Women in Agriculture
1. Wage Equality and Land Rights
- Land ownership: Dr. Siyal advocated granting women equal rights to own and manage land.
- Fair pay: Establishing wage standards and addressing discriminatory practices will empower women financially.
2. Vocational Training and Education
Eminent agriculture expert Dr. Muhammad Ismail Kumbhar emphasized the need to impart vocational training in finance, technology, and sustainable farming practices. With over 60% of women involved in sectors like farming, livestock, and fisheries, empowering them with knowledge will unlock economic potential.
3. Policy and Institutional Reforms
Government bodies, including those focused on women’s development and social welfare, must actively implement programs to uplift rural women. Initiatives should include:
- Legal protections: Stronger labor laws and complaint systems to safeguard women’s rights.
- Corporate accountability: Companies, especially in the cotton industry, must fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) to provide fair wages and safe working conditions.
4. Market Inclusion and Entrepreneurship
Encouraging women’s participation in marketing and entrepreneurial roles will bridge the gender gap in agriculture. Providing access to loans, markets, and technology will empower women to become business leaders in agriculture.
Government and Community Efforts
1. Daycare Centers for Working Mothers
Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Women’s Development, Shaheena Sher Ali, announced the establishment of 115 daycare centers across the province. These centers will support working mothers engaged in agriculture, allowing them to balance family responsibilities with their professional roles.
2. Celebrating Farmers’ Pride
Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of rural women is vital for societal change. Shaheena Sher Ali emphasized the need for community acknowledgment, stating, “Children should proudly say they are sons and daughters of farmers.”
The Path Forward
The ICADWE-2025 conference served as a call to action for governments, communities, and industries to unite in empowering women in agriculture. Comprehensive measures—ranging from wage equality and land rights to vocational training and market inclusion—will help bridge the gender gap, paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector.
FAQs
1. Why is women’s representation in agriculture important?
Women contribute over 60% of labor in agriculture but face wage disparities and lack of recognition. Empowering them improves productivity, family welfare, and economic growth.
2. What challenges do female agricultural workers face?
They face low wages, lack of safety equipment, health risks, and exclusion from market-side roles and decision-making processes.
3. How can vocational training help women in agriculture?
Vocational training equips women with skills in finance, technology, and sustainable farming practices, enabling them to boost productivity and achieve financial independence.
4. What is the government doing to support women in agriculture?
The Sindh government is establishing daycare centers for working mothers and advocating for reforms to improve wages, land rights, and working conditions for women in agriculture.
5. How can the private sector support women in agriculture?
The private sector can ensure fair wages, provide safety equipment, and fulfill Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations to create a safe and equitable working environment.
SEE ALSO
