Over the millennia, agriculture and humanity have maintained a close symbiotic relationship. Although the work of rural women has not been widely recognized or publicized, it was their dedication that played a fundamental role in identifying plant species that could provide food and nutrition for families.

Since the beginning of our communities, rural women have been an active but silent part of the development of agrarian tasks. Today, we are witnessing a growing awareness of gender equity and the importance of women’s honorable and competent work in all areas of our society. In this column I want to highlight the impact of rural women today and the pillar of development that they generate in Colombian agriculture.

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According to the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), approximately 40% of the agricultural labor force in Colombia is composed of women. However, their contribution and role in the development of the sector are often underestimated or ignored.

In Colombia, the percentage of formally employed agricultural workers is predominantly male-dominated, although the most structured unions, associations and growers have made great efforts to dignify agricultural work and improve the conditions and quality of life of those who are part of this sector. There is still a long way to go, especially in terms of providing opportunities for rural women.

In my role as a manager of a blueberry farm, I have witnessed the significant impact that women have on the agricultural industry. Labor-intensive crops, where more than 60% of the workers are preferably women, have had an incredible effect on the surrounding communities. This is mainly due to the increased economic and decision-making capacity of rural women.

The participation of rural women in economic activities such as agriculture and agribusiness not only improves their living conditions, but also boosts the economic and social development of rural areas. The economic empowerment of rural women through access to credit, training and entrepreneurial opportunities contributes to reducing poverty and promoting gender equality.

Rural women’s contribution to society goes beyond their optimal and delicate execution of the blueberry harvest, which is carried out consistently throughout the 52 weeks of the year. In our project, we have succeeded in establishing decent and stable employment in relatively small but labor-intensive areas.

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It can be seen how the populations near the project have experienced an improvement in the family economy. The new role of women as contributors to the economic development of their households is reflected in substantial improvements in their quality of life, the education of their children and access to tools such as technology and distance learning. We have also witnessed a decrease in illiteracy levels and a renewed interest in the countryside.

It is essential to promote crops that allow the inclusion of female labor, considering that it represents one of the best opportunities to reduce inequalities in the Colombian countryside. Doing so will generate numerous opportunities related to the visibility and dignity of women in agriculture.

I dream of a future in which new generations will be able to say with pride: “My mother is a farmer and thanks to her dignified work I have had the opportunity to lead a decent life, access education and better myself without having to leave my territory”.

It will be a moment when as a society we will be able to affirm that we have done relevant work, through the promotion of women’s leadership in agriculture. I would like to see more women leading associations or creating agricultural enterprises, taking advantage of technological tools and establishing fair and environmentally friendly commercial systems.

When this happens we will find ourselves facing a more equitable society with infinite possibilities for creating wealth, not only economic wealth of constant growth but also cultural and social wealth.

Today the challenge is still important and the attempt to materialize the almost utopian is manifested in the work of more than 400 rural women who work in the greenhouses for blueberry production in the department of Boyacá. These women are hired with dignity, timely payment and job stability. Their work fills me with satisfaction and drives me to make a call to increase the presence of women in agricultural activities, opening a world of possibilities and an incredible welfare for our society.

I call on private banks and the State to continue promoting agricultural projects, paying special attention to those with a focus on gender equity. I also invite them to highlight the work of women as a differentiating factor in agricultural production and to promote access to land in order to improve empowerment and equity, resulting in the reduction of the social gaps that our society suffers.