How to break down barriers for women in agriculture
At least half of the women surveyed in 17 countries say they have suffered some gender discrimination, such as denial of equal opportunities and a limited right to make financial decisions
At least half of women farmers perceive gender discrimination in agriculture. Technology training, finance, education and raising public awareness can help end it, according to a new survey. About 90% of women farmers around the world say they are proud to do what they do. But how many of those women claim to be happy and feel heard, acknowledged, or presented with the same opportunities as their male counterparts? Half, at most. Gender discrimination is still perceived strongly across the agriculture sector, in poor and rich countries in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific and Africa. It was felt by as much as 78% of women surveyed in India, down to a still-significant 52% in the US. And while about two-thirds of women farmers said discrimination had diminished over the past decade, just over a third said it remained unchanged, or had worsened. Many believe full equality will come — but not for another 10 years at least, and not without more education, training and access to financi...
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