Female farmers declared gender discrimination (infographics)

The DowDuPont’s Agricultural Division, Corteva Agriscience, conducted a study to identify the problems faced by female farmers. The survey was conducted in 17 countries with the help of 4160 respondents, writes “Agro Center”.

“Although, we know that women make up almost half of the world’s farmers, this study confirms that there are still problems that restrain not only women who work in agriculture but also people who depend on them: their families, communities, and societies. Recognition of the issue is the first step in removing it and help female farmers achieve their full potential,”

said Christa Harden, Vice President of External Affairs and Chief Executive Officer for Sustainable Development at Corteva Agriscienc.

The interviewed women are mostly proud of their work in agriculture. However, they shared that gender discrimination is widespread. In particular, 78% of women in India and 52% of women in the United States believe so. Only half of the female farmers who participated in the research said they were as successful as their male colleagues. Less than half of the farmers said they do not experience gender inequality and have the same rights as male farmers.

More than 72% of women believe that, although progress is already evident, it will take decades before there’s gender equality in the agricultural sector.

The women see a possible solution to this problem through a series of measures: more training in technologies (according to 80%); more academic education (according to 79%); more support – legal and other – to help women affected by gender discrimination in the agricultural sector (according to 76%); increasing public awareness of the success achieved by women in agriculture (according to 75%); increasing public awareness about gender inequality in agriculture (according to 74%).

“We believe that Corteva Agriscience plays an important role in accelerating progress. We study additional steps, including further research, direct actions, and partnerships with governments, non-governmental organizations and other groups in order to eliminate barriers to full equality,”

said Clara Serrano, Marketing Manager in Europe at Corteva Agriscience.