In the country of Georgia, where traditions mix with modern life and women’s roles are often stereotyped, their contribution to agriculture and family life, especially in rural areas, is key. Women are backbone of agriculture worldwide and in Georgia too. On average, 43 percent of the agricultural labour force is made up of women and in the least developed countries, two in three women are employed in farming. Despite their crucial role in global food security, women farmers face persistent barriers that limit their productivity and economic potential. They are the hidden force behind global agriculture.
Why gender matters in agriculture sector? Here are several key issues:
Empowering rural communities of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region specifically on gender and agriculture issues is crucial for fostering sustainable development, enhancing well-being of the region and underlining the role of women in agriculture, particularly in food security and concretely, as seed-savers and transmission of knowledge. The region, characterized by its harsh climate, heavily relies on agriculture as primary livelihood source. However, traditional gender roles and socio-cultural norms often limit women’s participation in economic activities beyond household responsibilities. Women in Samtskhe-Javakheti engage extensively in subsistence agriculture, their work is more diverse, yet their contributions remain largely unrecognized and undervalued.
As global food security challenges intensify with climate change and population growth, empowering women in agriculture becomes increasingly critical. By addressing gender disparities, we can unlock significant agricultural potential while promoting more equitable and sustainable food systems. The path forward requires continued commitment from governments, development organizations, and the private sector to implement gender-responsive agricultural policies and programs. Only by ensuring women farmers have equal access to resources and opportunities can we build truly resilient and productive agricultural systems for the future.
Implementing gender-focused trainings can address the disparities and empower communities with knowledge and practical skills. Analysis of gender roles and challenges in agriculture sector enlightened training attendees, farmers, community members, representatives of local municipalities and the workshop took the form of discussion. These initiatives are supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), efforts continue to promote sustainable agricultural practices, preserve the agro-biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Samtskhe-Javakheti region.
Reflecting on the workshop, Ms. Marine Natenadze from the Settlement Aspindza, Aspindza Municipality noted: “Despite the creation of Gender Councils at municipalities, mostly all the members are men, who did not correctly consider the problems women encounter in agriculture and in general. Women are planners, but final decisions rest with men, which shackles women and limits their freedom. ”
Mr. Teimuraz Gvaramadze, from Samtskhe-Javakheti State University remarked: “It is widespread practice that women face challenges in agriculture and moreover, their work in the household is not valued as much as it should be. We don’t imagine the work women provide during a day: taking care of the children, preparing food, maintaining cleanliness in the family, caring for livestock, sowing seeds and etc. ”
Access to market, leadership and negotiation skills are other obstacles women face. Ms. Mzia Lobjhanidze, local farmer, underlined: “It is quite difficult for a woman to enter a market and establish herself, where there are only men. There are often cases where we agree on one thing and in reality something completely different happens, especially in case of negotiation fair prices and establishing reliable partnership. We literally have to work in an extreme situation.”
More than 30 individuals, farmers, representatives of local communities and municipalities, attended the training, mixed group. Led by Ms. Nino Rostomashvili, Gender Officer of REC Caucasus. The training highlighted that woman have limited access to resources, such as land which results in limited access to credit, grant schemes and government subsidies. Another big issue is patriarchal attitude and stereotypes. Women’s roles, opportunities and rights in Georgia are often constrained by conservative sociocultural norms and gender stereotypes. These issues are most prevalent in rural and remote areas, particularly among ethnic minorities. However, they also affect women in urban areas. There is a widespread and largely unquestioned acceptance of conservative gender roles in the country. The reproduction of stereotypes through the media and educational materials, as well as a lack of awareness of gender inequality among the general public, contribute to the further entrenchment of these ideas. Gender norms are also reproduced through implicit and unquestioned assumptions that may be transferred by teachers and others who influence people’s thought and behavior.
Addressing these issues requires comprehensive legal reforms and commitment from governments, development organisations and the private sector to elaborate and implement gender-responsive agricultural policies and programs. Only by ensuring women farmers have equal access to resources and opportunities can we build truly resilient and productive agricultural systems for the future.
Looking ahead, project aims (a) to promote women farmers, increase understanding of gender roles, biases and structural inequalities that affect agricultural productivity and livelihood in the region, (b) to increase number of women-managed farms through better resources access and improved techniques, higher household incomes and more equitable income distribution within families, (d) more diverse and resilient farming systems and gradual shift in social norms on women’s roles in agriculture and community decision-making and finally (e) more gender-responsive local and national agricultural policies.
