Rural women drive agricultural innovation amid gender gaps

In recognition of International Day of Rural Women, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are highlighting the critical role women play in food production and regional development, while addressing persistent gender gaps.

In Mexico, the National Chamber of the Tequila Industry (CNIT), in collaboration with the Tequila Regulatory Council (CRT), is working to increase female participation in the agave production chain. Through the ‘Agave Responsable Social’ certification project, 193 women have received support. Despite these efforts, challenges remain regarding access to land, financing, technology, and decision-making roles. According to the FAO, while women make up approximately 40 percent of the global agricultural workforce, they own only 15 percent of the land.

In Chile, academic perspectives emphasize that rural women are essential for addressing the generational turnover in agriculture. As youth migrate to cities, women are increasingly integrating innovation, digital platforms, and agrotourism into traditional farming to ensure the sector's future viability. Closing gaps in connectivity and technical training is viewed as a strategic necessity for regional development.