{"id":265895,"date":"2020-08-19T21:15:53","date_gmt":"2020-08-20T01:15:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/?p=265895"},"modified":"2020-08-19T21:15:53","modified_gmt":"2020-08-20T01:15:53","slug":"how-to-combat-the-sexism-faced-by-women-farmers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/canadianinquirer.net\/v1\/2020\/08\/19\/how-to-combat-the-sexism-faced-by-women-farmers\/","title":{"rendered":"How to combat the sexism faced by women farmers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Women farmers say they face sexism and dismissiveness, and are expected to juggle farm work with caregiving.
\n(Piqsels)<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Although women have played crucial roles throughout the history of Canadian agriculture and agri-food \u2014 from food production to processing and preparation \u2014 agriculture remains a male-dominated industry. Women currently comprise 29 per cent of farm operators nationally, and this number edges up only slightly with each new census.<\/p>\n

In Saskatchewan, one of the country\u2019s most productive agricultural regions, the percentage of women operators is even lower than the national average<\/a>, at 25 per cent.<\/p>\n

In a new report<\/a> released by the Women Entrepreneurship Knowledge Hub<\/a> and the Hill-Levene Schools of Business<\/a> at the University of Regina, we examined the current situation for women entrepreneurs in Saskatchewan\u2019s agriculture and agri-food sector.<\/p>\n

Based on a detailed review of existing studies and statistics, as well as interviews with 32 people working across the agri-food chain, our report showed that despite ongoing barriers associated with gender inequality, women agriculture entrepreneurs are optimistic about the future.<\/p>\n

Stereotypes, sexism, invisible work<\/h2>\n

Interview participants identified significant ongoing challenges for women across the sector. These challenges were mostly caused by stereotypes, sexism and women\u2019s disproportionate responsibility for domestic and caregiving work<\/a>. Women\u2019s agricultural work is commonly scheduled around caregiving responsibilities.<\/p>\n

Interview participants emphasized that although women may perform different agricultural tasks than men, their contributions are no less important \u2014 despite being frequently overlooked.<\/p>\n

In primary production (farming and ranching), women shared stories of being talked over or dismissed by salespeople, lenders and even their own employees.<\/p>\n

One woman told us:<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen you say that you\u2019re a woman farmer, there\u2019s that stereotype \u2026 you know: \u2018Are you a farmer? Or do you just help your husband?\u2019\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Women also report challenges accessing financial capital<\/a>. They are more likely than men to rent or lease their land<\/a> as opposed to owning it, and have smaller farms on average.<\/p>\n

\u2018The only woman in the room\u2019<\/h2>\n

Increased visibility, representation and decision-making power are important for women\u2019s advancement in agriculture, but women remain under-represented in decision-making spheres.<\/p>\n

A study<\/a> by the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council found that women represent only 25 per cent of agriculture managers. The same study found that of 65 national and provincial farm associations, only 12 per cent had a woman as their board chair or president, 12 per cent had a woman vice-president or vice-chair, and just 28 per cent had at least one woman on their board\u2019s executive committees.<\/p>\n

Participants in our study described \u201cold boys clubs\u201d and the feeling of being the only woman (or one of few) at agricultural meetings. One woman said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s people that don\u2019t think that [agriculture is] your place, and you should have a man there who\u2019s making all the decisions.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

One interview participant described how she had experienced unwanted sexual advances at a farm show, which further entrenches the notion of agricultural space as primarily a space for men.<\/p>\n

Optimism for the future<\/h2>\n

Despite the challenges, women agriculture entrepreneurs (along with those in supportive industries or roles) are optimistic about the future.<\/p>\n

Participants discussed how role models and supportive networks between women entrepreneurs in agriculture can help with confidence-building.<\/p>\n

Women are leading advocacy efforts for mental health and for increased public understanding of agriculture, particularly through social media entrepreneurship. A participant noted that social media advocacy cannot be only about optics and visibility but should also help tackle key issues affecting women specifically.<\/p>\n

Existing studies also suggest that alternative agriculture \u2014 such as on-farm processing, alternative marketing (for example, community-supported agriculture) and organics \u2014 may provide a more welcoming space for women compared to the dominant industrial model.<\/p>\n

An organic farmer in our study said:<\/p>\n

\u201cOrganic farming, too, is different. The only time I\u2019ve felt uncomfortable as a woman in a room was when I\u2019ve been in a conventional [i.e., non-organic] farming meeting or conference. I think there\u2019s definitely a difference.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Recommendations for change<\/h2>\n

Our report presents several recommendations to facilitate and support women\u2019s agricultural entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n

To address under-representation and lack of recognition, a clearer definition and effective documentation of women\u2019s presence in the sector is required, including in formal business ownership agreements.<\/p>\n

Child care is needed, especially child care tailored to the unconventional schedules of farming and business ownership, along with child-friendly spaces at agricultural meetings and conferences. Men can play a supportive role by engaging equally in child care and domestic work and by challenging sexism.<\/p>\n

Finally, we recommend training, networking and financial supports designed specifically for women in the agriculture sector.<\/p>\n

Addressing deeply ingrained gender inequality creates more equitable participation in policy-making and leadership for our land and food \u2014 and that benefits everyone.\"The<\/p>\n

Amber Fletcher<\/a>, Associate Professor, Sociology & Social Studies, University of Regina<\/a><\/em>; Christie Newton<\/a>, MSc student, Organizational Studies, University of Regina<\/a><\/em>, and Gina Grandy<\/a>, Professor (Strategy and Leadership), Dean of Hill and Levene Business Schools, University of Regina, University of Regina<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

This article is republished from The Conversation<\/a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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