Women Farmers Demand Recognition and Equal Access at Dhaka Seminar

Women Farmers in Bangladesh Demand Recognition and Support

Women farmers in Bangladesh play a critical role in the country's food production, yet they remain largely unrecognized and underserved. At a recent national seminar held in Dhaka, various stakeholders emphasized the need for the government to formally acknowledge women farmers and provide them with equal access to agricultural services.

The seminar, titled "Inclusion of Women Farmers in Climate-Resilient Crop Production and the Role of Policymakers," was organized by AVAS, BINDU, COAST Foundation, and Street Child UK, with support from the Gates Foundation. It was moderated by Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Executive Director of the COAST Foundation, while Md. Iqbal Uddin delivered the keynote address.

The Disproportionate Representation of Women in Agriculture

According to the speakers, women make up 58% of Bangladesh's agricultural workforce, yet only 19% own land. Moreover, just 4-5% of these women can effectively exercise their rights. This lack of ownership has led to their exclusion from essential services such as government facilities, agricultural loans, and mechanization support.

Iqbal Uddin highlighted that nearly one-third of Bangladesh's population lives in climate-vulnerable coastal regions. Despite facing significant challenges, women in these areas continue to produce climate-resilient crops. He stressed that recognizing their contributions is crucial for safeguarding national food security.

Challenges Faced by Coastal Women Farmers

DAE officials Dr. Md. Hazrat Ali and Dr. Md. Jamal Uddin pointed out that coastal women farmers are often underpaid and lack access to credit due to their inability to own land. They recommended organizing these women into groups to help them collectively assert their rights.

Dr. Radheshyam Sarkar, a former DAE deputy director, called for the elimination of gender discrimination within the agricultural sector. He emphasized that policies must be designed to ensure fair treatment and opportunities for all farmers, regardless of gender.

Professor Mir Mohammad Ali spoke about the importance of providing women farmers with easy access to bank loans, low-interest financing, and timely weather forecasts. These resources are essential for enabling them to make informed decisions and improve their productivity.

Demands from Coastal Farmers

Coastal farmers, including Mst. Rina Begum, Mst. Asma Begum, Kalpana Rani, and Nazma Begum, voiced their demands during the seminar. They called for official recognition, Agricultural Cards, women-friendly machinery, interest-free or low-interest loans, and saline-water treatment facilities. These measures are seen as vital steps toward empowering women in agriculture.

Calls for Gender-Responsive Policies

Speakers from civil society and journalist forums, including AKM Jasim Uddin, Rahima Sultana Kajol, Jannatul Mouwa, and Imtiaz Ridoy, urged the development of gender-responsive agricultural extension services. They also warned about the increasing threat of rising salinity, which poses a serious risk to coastal livelihoods.

They called for stronger subsidies and urgent mitigation measures to support women farmers in adapting to climate change. These efforts are seen as essential for ensuring the sustainability of agriculture in vulnerable regions.

Conclusion

The seminar underscored the urgent need for policy reforms that recognize and support women farmers in Bangladesh. By addressing the challenges they face, the government can not only empower this crucial segment of the population but also strengthen the nation's food security. With collective action and targeted interventions, it is possible to create a more inclusive and resilient agricultural sector.