February 26, 2024
Staff Report
LAHORE:
A study by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) found that women engaged in the agriculture sector do not own the land they work on, do not receive equal wages for work of equal value, and are particularly vulnerable to a range of protection challenges – such as harassment, economic exploitation, physical and psychological abuse.
The report titled, ‘Protection issues faced by women farmers in Pakistan’, provides that approximately 74 percent of women and girls in Pakistan’s labour force are involved in the agriculture sector, generating 40 percent of household income. Despite their significant contributions, protection issues faced by women farmers in Pakistan remain largely unknown and poorly documented, leading to a lack of systemic policymaking.
Citing a study by the Aurat Foundation, the FAO notes that violence against women in agriculture, particularly those belonging to poor and minority communities, has far-reaching consequences for survivors.
Rural women not only grapple with food insecurity and malnutrition but also bear a double burden of work, being expected to work on farms while bearing primary responsibility for domestic work, including child rearing. The FAO holds that Pakistan’s social protection systems have failed to reach vulnerable rural women, hindering their access to social safety nets and health systems.
The report stresses that the current understanding– of who is a ‘farmer’ – often excludes women, preventing them from accessing vital benefits and services. Thus, the FAO proposes to broaden the definition of ‘farmer’ to includethose involved in sowing, transplanting, harvesting, post-harvest operations, and working with livestock.
Consultations with stakeholders involving 118 participants identified numerous challenges faced by women farmers, including heavy workloads, lack of access to resources, inadequate education and training opportunities, and limited access to advisory services. Poor access to transport, marketing mechanisms, and banking services, coupled with the gender wage gap, further disadvantage women in agriculture.
The lack of a minimum wage and collective bargaining, delayed payments by contractors, and informal employment were also identified as factors that expose women to the risk of exploitation. Low levels of land ownership, lack of control over assets, and mobility restrictions due to gender norms exacerbate their vulnerability.
Women farmers also face issues such as a lack of access to clean drinking water, sanitation facilities, and basic health services. The excessive use of pesticides contributes to health problems, while low awareness hinders progress on protection issues, workers’ rights, and impacts of climate change.
Although national legislation is fairly comprehensive in addressing violence against women, gaps and implementation challenges persist, the FAO states. The absence of labour laws covering the agriculture sector and a lack of a national law specifically safeguarding the rights of women involved in agriculture exacerbate the challenges faced by women farmers.
Focus group discussions conducted for the purpose of this study with 907 women across 43 districts revealed that sexual harassment in agricultural workplaces is common. Women farmers often experience hostile environments, including violence, harassment, and verbal abuse, particularly while working in the fields. Mobility restrictions and lack of sanitation and childcare facilities compound their challenges.
The report emphasises the urgent need to address gender-related protection issues faced by women farmers in Pakistan. It calls for policy reforms, technical assistance, and enhanced coordination among government and non-government entities to empower women, ensuring their contributions to sustainable development are recognized and protected.