Gender violence is a pervasive issue facing women in agriculture. Change demands a collaborative effort among the private sector, local governments, authorities and communities, and civil society organizations to understand and address the root causes.
As the world celebrates International Women’s Day this week, it is worth focusing on a sector where women continue to experience significant disadvantages. Globally, more than 1 in 3 working women are employed in the agricultural sector. That figure is significantly higher in low- and middle-income countries, where it ranges from 66% of working women in sub-Saharan Africa to 71% in southern Asia.
For those women working in agriculture, harmful social norms continue to undercut access to education, land, and opportunities, making them more vulnerable to poverty. Gender bias in hiring often puts women in low-paid jobs, on temporary contracts, and under male-dominated supervision. This situation further engrains a power imbalance between men and women, increasing the risk of violence against women and girls.
About the authors
Joky François
Joky François is the global lead on gender at the Rainforest Alliance.
Elizabeth Kiende Njenga
Elizabeth Kiende Njenga is a senior associate, livelihood and human rights East and Southern Africa at the Rainforest Alliance.
