Girls!
You probably know this song by Beyoncé. While it is not about women in agriculture, I was reminded of it. A few months ago, I read the news that the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer. The fact that the UN would devote an entire year to women in agriculture speaks volumes. The reason and purpose for declaring this year is to recognize the role of women in agriculture while drawing attention to the position of women. A position which still needs a lot of work.
Worldwide, about 50% of women are active in agriculture, while in developing countries the percentage is much higher: there, all food is grown by 60-80% of women. Even though there is a lot of work to be done still, I feel gender equality between men and women has improved in the West. Small and easily improved things are, for example, data. Do we actually know how many women are at the head of a farm or work on a farm in the Netherlands? The answer is simple; no. Simply by introducing adapted registrations, which we have to do anyway as farmers, we could gather these data. But we, like many other countries, have to make do with estimates.
“women are far more vulnerable to climate change and disasters”
What is known is that the share of land ownership among women, who are very present in agriculture, is a lot lower than men: only 10%. In addition to lack of land, access to land, financing, technology and support, women’s work in agriculture presents a number of other challenges. Many women are also the only ones who combine work with raising and caring for family, relatives and the household. This limits time, productivity and participation in study groups or policy. Policies or regulations also pay little or no attention to women as owners, limiting their access to subsidies. The lack of internet in rural areas or having a mobile phone also makes it difficult for a large group of women to access counseling services. As a result, women are far more vulnerable to climate change and disasters. And let’s take a minute to talk about the violence women are facing. Read the comumn of Yamah from Nigeria for a sobering insight in what women in agriculture are subjected to. Her stories depict nothing but strong women, but makes it clear that feeding the world comes at a cost. Why does it seem normal that women have to pay that price?
Let’s go back to Beyoncé. Her song is not a lament, and I don’t want to turn this column into one either. I also see many wonderful examples around me of women where things are going well. I see it when I read this magazine, I hear it when I travel. It’s just that… there’s a long way to go still. And that path will vary by country, by region, by culture. In addition to meta-level debates by governments and NGOs on credit, legal protection or access to land, what will also help is to make more visible and concrete what is already possible. Show examples of women who can make small changes alone or together. Let women share their stories. Show the world how education or building networks helps. How income can be distributed fairly. How security can be improved. Only then can solidarity emerge. Give women visibility. Show their faces. Humanize them. How cool would it be if, for example, the FAO building in Rome or the United Nations in New York featured portraits of women in agriculture? Small actions can have a big impact. Especially if they are widely supported. Ultimately, it is about women in agriculture being recognized, heard and supported as full members of the agricultural community. In your country, in your region.
It will probably take at least another generation before there is gender equality. Agriculture is even further behind in this. And it is up to us to pave the way. Cooperation and support from governments, banks and other organizations is important here. But I stay positive. And who knows, maybe my future granddaughters will be able to sing: Who run the world … in farming? Girls!
This column was published in the summer issue of Women in Ag Magazine.
