23 January 2025
Women play a crucial role in shaping rural economies across Europe. They are often not only the driving force behind successful farm businesses, but also contribute significantly to off-farm enterprises and the overall well-being of their communities.
Despite their vital contributions, many women face pervasive challenges including discrimination and limited access to opportunities in the labor market. This often leaves them in vulnerable positions, lacking adequate compensation and social protection.
Gender issues compounded by regional and generational differences
Statistics reported by European Commission’s Agriculture and Rural Development highlight the stark realities faced by women in rural areas. For example, they found that on average 29% of farms in the European Union (EU) are managed by women. However, this is also marked by significant regional variation among countries.
For instance, almost half of all farms in Lithuania and Latvia are managed by women, while countries such as Malta, Germany, Denmark, and the Netherlands see female farm managers making up less than 10% of the total.
In addition, Europe's agricultural sector remains dominated by the older population, with only 4.2% of female farmers under the age of 35. Moreover, a staggering 42% of women working in agriculture are over the age of 65, compared to 29.2% for men. These figures indicate the potential for a widening gender gap in farming in the years to come.
Furthermore, women encounter additional hurdles. Despite comprising a considerable portion of the population engaged in farming – 31.6% of EU farmers according to the EU CAP Network – women encounter disparities in access to resources, training, and equal treatment from financial and agricultural organizations.
The EU has recognized the importance of addressing this gender gap and these challenges, as evidenced by its commitment within the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). The CAP Strategic Plans prioritize the increased participation of women and mandate a gender equality approach to address the specific challenges faced by those working in agriculture, forestry, and rural areas.
This acknowledgment highlights a broader effort to create a more inclusive and equitable agricultural landscape.
EU initiatives raising profile of female farmers
While disparities persist, there is optimism for the future. Programs and subsidies aimed at encouraging women to enter the agricultural sector are already making a tangible impact. Initiatives such as EU rural development funding under “InvestEU” have enabled farmers to modernize their operations, invest in mechanized production, and reduce manual labor. These efforts not only enhance the competitiveness of European farms but also improve rural living standards.
In addition, rural development programs have supported women in transitioning from supporting roles to becoming entrepreneurs in their own right. By providing access to land, resources, and funding, these initiatives empower women to start their own agricultural enterprises and sell their products directly to local markets.
These examples highlight the transformative power of targeted policies in empowering women to thrive and innovate within the agricultural sector.
Participation essential to resilience of agricultural communities
In conclusion, empowering women in European agriculture is not only essential for achieving gender equality but also for fostering sustainable rural development. This aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. By promoting gender equality in agriculture, we can contribute to a more inclusive future for rural communities.
By addressing systemic barriers and promoting inclusive policies and initiatives, we can create a more equitable and prosperous future for all members of rural communities. Through collaboration and innovation, we can also ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to and benefit from the agricultural sector, leading to more resilient and vibrant rural economies.