Gender responsiveness of a small farmers' association
OVER a week ago, I got a message from the president of our small community farmers’ association through our group chat, seeking guidance on integrating gender responsiveness indicators into our group’s program during a capacity-building activity. This raised an important question: Was gender inclusivity adequately covered in his training? It seemed unlikely that he would require external support if it were. Sadly, my doubt was not entirely unfounded.
Reflecting on my own experience in a government-led farm business training last year, it became clear that gender was an afterthought if considered at all. Despite a session labeled “gender and development,” it really boiled down to a little more than a pep talk, akin to a “selffulfilling prophecy” session, lacking substantive discussion on gender dynamics. My feedback to the organizers hopefully initiated a review of their curriculum, but doubts remained. This year’s International Women’s Month is a suitable time to reflect on gender matters, especially for our small farmers’ association.
There is the pervasive assumption that gender mainstreaming permeates all facets of development in our country because these are supposedly installed in national laws, policies and programs. Yet the practical understanding of this concept on the ground remains questionable, particularly among farmers and community-based groups. While gender-related literature abounds, briefly revisiting its core concepts appears necessary before going into the specific indicators for genderresponsive farmers’ associations.
Gender refers to the social, cultural and psychological features, roles, behaviors and qualities that a society considers appropriate for men, women and nonbinary individuals, that are distinct from biological sex. Gender equality is the belief that people should have the same rights, responsibilities and opportunities, regardless of their gender. Gender equity acknowledges that women and gender-diverse people are not in the same starting position as men because of historical and social disadvantages.
Gender sensitivity requires intense awareness of these societal roles and expectations. However, being truly gender-responsive involves actively incorporating a gender perspective into all components of policymaking, programming and intervention, with a keen recognition of the varied needs, priorities and rights of different genders.
Yet, beyond mere recognition lies the domain of gender-transformative approaches. These go further than addressing discrepancies to challenge the power dynamics, standards and structures perpetuating gender inequality. While gender sensitivity fosters awareness, gender-responsive strategies actively confront disparities, and gender-transformative initiatives strive to reform societal norms for lasting equality. The journey toward authentic gender inclusivity demands more than lip service; it requires a major change in our shared mindset, policies and practices.
A truly effective farmers’ association is one that not only recognizes but actively supports the varied needs, concerns and capabilities of all its members, regardless of gender. As I reflect on the progress of our relatively young group, it is important to consider how we can further enhance our inclusivity and responsiveness to gender dynamics within our association.
Although gender-related discussions have not been at the forefront of our meetings since I joined the association last year, I believe that our group shows a subtle but substantial commitment to gender responsiveness. Despite the absence of formal documentation or explicit discussion on the matter, it is evident that six out of the 10 recognized gender-responsive indicators for farm associations are already rooted in our group’s practices and beliefs.
Leadership within our association shows a sign of gender balance, with women holding key roles as secretary and treasurer, although men occupy the top two leadership positions. Furthermore, both male and female members actively participate in discussions, decision-making processes and capacity-building initiatives, supporting an environment of inclusivity and mutual respect. Access to resources and opportunities is distributed equally among our members, illustrated by the shared access to government-provided inputs and extension services. Furthermore, our communication channels prioritize gender sensitivity, ensuring that all members receive relevant and accessible information.
More importantly, our association upholds a culture of safety and inclusivity, where discrimination, harassment and violence have no place and where every member feels valued and respected. As we recognize our advances in gender responsiveness, it is necessary to recognize areas where we can improve. Our association currently lacks formal policies and guidelines addressing gender equality, and we have yet to implement initiatives that specifically recognize and empower women farmers within our community.
Looking ahead, we must prioritize education and awareness of gender dynamics in farming, integrating these insights into our practices and policies. By encouraging a more genderresponsive environment and actively supporting initiatives that empower all members, particularly women, we can truly embody the principles of inclusivity and equality that define a progressive farmers’ association.
As our association continues to evolve, the members should commit to learning from each other and striving toward a future where everyone in our association, regardless of gender, can prosper and contribute meaningfully to our group’s success.