A salute to Filipina ‘agripreneurs'

The life of a farmer is never easy. In the Philippines, where agriculture contributes 7.5% to GDP, farmers remain one of the most underappreciated and marginalized groups.

- MA. AURORA D. GEOTINA-GARCIA

The struggle is even more difficult for women in agriculture as they are some of the hardest workers but also the most underpaid and unrecognized. Gender biases and discrimination contribute to their lack of representation and recognition, both in the social sphere and when it comes to their rights as workers. However, not all hope is lost. Women, much like the crops they grow, are capable of flourishing in spite of the challenges that they face. They continue to make advances in agriculture and in agricultural entrepreneurship.

According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), as of 2022, women represent 24.6% of the agriculture industry. The harsh reality is that this number is most likely not accurate, owing to gender norms that consider women's work in agriculture as an extension of their household tasks. Thus, just from participation alone, women are already underrepresented and overworked. Gender-specific obstacles, such as a gender wage gap, discrimination, lack of bargaining power, unsecure employment, lack of land rights, and unpaid work, are just some of the many reasons that women seem to not have as much success.

OUTSTANDING FILIPINA 'AGRIPRENEURS'

In the face of bleak statistics for women in agriculture, Filipina “agripreneurs” — entrepreneurs in agriculture — continue to make progress and set new benchmarks. Women’s participation in the agricultural sector is not solely based on the income they generate and their contribution to the economy, but also in the meaningful way their representation can effect change among their fellow women and communities.