Farm labour: Work depriving most women of family time
Most rural women have little time for their families or for themselves because they are always working at home or in fields, notes a study conducted by the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, sociologists Dr Muhammad Iqbal Zafar, Farhat Nazir, and Dr Zahire Batool.
The study, titled “Socio-economic impact of female participation in agriculture and livestock in rural areas”, notes that a very small number of women have access to microfinance (7.5 per cent). Still, an overwhelming majority of the 156 women interviewed in villages of Samundari and Jaranwala said they were happy with their lives.
The study concludes that though family incomes have improved due to women’s participation in agriculture, a balance is needed between their responsibilities at home and at the fields.
About 61.3 per cent respondents said that they had less time to manage their households and 56.9 per cent to look after their children due to the time they spent in the field. 66.3 per cent said they could not give enough time to their in-laws, 73.1 percent to their parents and 78.8 percent to themselves because of their work responsibilities.
About 72 per cent of respondents said they could not meet most of their relatives and 63.8 percent said they had missed family functions because they were busy with work. 43.1 per cent of respondents thought professional training might help improve their skills.
Responding to a question about their motivation for helping in the fields, 60 per cent said it help increased their family income and 59.4 per cent said it made them feel more empowered.
The study states that women play a vital role in agriculture. “They actively participate in all stages of crop production. Women also help their families in livestock management,” it says.
After spending a significant time in the fields, it adds, rural women then do domestic chores such as cooking, washing clothes, housekeeping, and collecting wood (for cooking food) and water.
“Rural women remain busy from dawn to dusk in work and household assignments.
Their contribution to the rural economy, however, is not given due recognition due to insufficient data and improper coverage,” it notes.
The study suggests that the government should promote women’s education and training. Also, it says, men need to be educated about women’s role at homes and in the fields.
It notes that the government has already initiated a Gender Reforms Action Plan. However, it suggests that in order to be effective, the programme must reach the grass roots level.
It says that most women engaged in farming want financial support to expand their businesses.
“They should be given opportunities to modernise their farms and learn skills that will help them grow,” it says. In this regard, the study recommends, access to micro-finance should be ensured.
The study also suggests that short-term training programmes and workshops on crop production, livestock care and management, human health and sanitation and handicrafts making can be helpful for capacity building and skill development of women in rural areas.
It says that if provided with training and financial support women can also work in value- added sectors such as agro- and dairy-based industry, agro-forestry, gardening, commerce, manufacturing and services.
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2011.
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