In today’s episode of Global Trends we explore a crucial topic that impacts communities worldwide – "Women in Agriculture." As we celebrate the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we're diving deep into the challenges and triumphs of women in this vital sector.
Our resident agricultural specialist, Adrian Bell, sheds light on the significance of women in rural communities and their substantial contributions to the agricultural labor force. However, gender disadvantages persist, hindering access to resources such as land, credit, and inputs. Shockingly, women-run farms produce as much as a third less output than their male counterparts, underscoring the urgency of addressing these disparities.
With one-third of US farmers being women, the gender obstacles are not confined to smallholder agriculture in developing regions. But breaking down these barriers could lead to producing 30% more food, enough to feed 150 million people. Empowering women farmers not only enhances agricultural productivity but also fosters lasting improvements in health care, nutrition, and education within their communities.
In this episode, we're honored to welcome esteemed guests who are passionate advocates for "Women in Agriculture." Svetla Garbeshkova, CEO of Agro TV Bulgaria, shares her insights on empowering women in agriculture in Bulgaria. Renowned Gender Specialist and Economist, Rekha Mehra, joins us remotely with her vast international experience in gender equality and agriculture.
Our exploration continues to the US, where Audra Mulkern, founder of the Female Farmer Project, embarks on a captivating multi-platform documentary, chronicling the rise of women in agriculture worldwide, with a focus on the USA's history. Lucia Salmaso, Managing Director of BKT Europe, brings her expertise in leading by example, paving the way for inclusivity in the industry.
Together with our esteemed guests, we unveil the untapped potential of women in agriculture, paving the way for a more equitable and prosperous future. Join us as we celebrate the women who fuel our food security and strive to build a world where gender equality thrives in every aspect of agriculture.
-
Svetla Garbeshkova -
Audra Mulkern -
Rekha Mehra -
Lucia Salmaso
- There is a lack of recognition regarding the role of women in farming.
- Providing equal resources to women farmers in developing countries could lead to a potential increase of up to 4% in agricultural production.
- Present-day women serve as a source of inspiration for future generations of women.
In this series
CEO, AGRO TV BULGARIA
Svetla Garbeshkova is a Bulgarian journalist and CEO of AGRO TV Bulgaria – a national TV including various shows and headlines focused on agriculture, rural areas and the processing industry. On AGRO TV Bulgaria, priority is given to news feeds, which offer up-to-date information from the agro sector in Bulgaria and abroad. Svetla is also a jury member of Tractor of the Year – an international award for the best tractor in the European market.
FOUNDER, THE FEMALE FARMER PROJECT
Audra Mulkern is a writer, photographer and international speaker. She is the founder of «The Female Farmer Project» - a multi-platform documentary project that chronicles the rise of women working in agriculture around the world. The Female Farmer ProjectTM has garnered international recognition, and has been in exhibition at the United Nations in New York, La Maison Rouge Gallery in Paris, TEDxManhattan 2015 and is in permanent exhibition at the USDA in Washington DC.
GENDER SPECIALIST & ECONOMIST
Rekha Mehra is a Gender Specialist and Economist. She is an Indipendent Consultant for various companies with a focus on Gender Equality and Agriculture. She is leader and technical expert in the following areas: gender equality, gender and development, economic and social empowerment of women and girls. Rekha has more than 25 years experience in research programs, advocacy and training related to gender, economic development and agriculture. During her work experience, she has worked in more than 25 countries in all developing regions.
Lucia Salmaso is the Managing Director of BKT Europe. Lucia has been in the tire industry for almost 40 years.
She is a firm believer that an open-minded approach is the key to success. Always looking for new tasks and challenges, not only is she a multinational business manager but she also represents a role model for all the women that are at the beginning of their career.
Lucia advocates for diversity, innovation, and global growth, as well as values family reflected by BKT's culture.
