Women's contributions in agriculture and their right to equal opportunities in this sector remain one of the most overlooked aspects of gender inequality. Perhaps this reflects a broader societal blind spot, particularly among urban communities that seldom look beyond their immediate realities to understand the silent struggles of women farmers. While issues of gender inequality in other domains receive widespread attention and advocacy, it is equally important to amplify the voices of those at the margins—voices that often go unheard in policymaking.

During a multistakeholder consultation in Bogura organised by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), which was focused on the post-change expectations of the masses, a woman farmer highlighted a glaring injustice in agricultural policies, saying that women farmers are not always officially recognised as farmers, and therefore are mostly excluded from accessing farmer cards. This exclusion denies them essential benefits such as loans, quality fertilisers, and other agricultural services. For some women, the way to access these benefits is through cards issued in the names of their sons or husbands. However, this option is not viable for everyone—single women, widows or those seeking independence are left without recourse.

The demand for equal rights and recognition brought to light a stark reality: women who contribute significantly to agriculture are still almost invisible in policy frameworks. The consultation revealed not just the depth of this inequity, but also the gravity of ingrained gender bias in agriculture that perpetuates inequality, denying women the tools they need to thrive and holding back the broader development of the sector.

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Despite women making up 26.2 percent of the total employed population in agriculture in Bangladesh, they remain far behind men in terms of access to resources, land ownership, and decision-making power. This marginalisation is not unique to Bangladesh—it reflects a global pattern where women's contributions to agriculture are systematically undervalued.

Even though 40 percent of women were expected to be included in the smart card programme, a study by the International Land Coalition found that only 30 out of 197 women surveyed across four districts of Bangladesh had access to farmer cards. This highlights significant policy failures in recognising women as farmers. During the PPRC consultation, it was evident that remaining excluded from the programme limited women farmers' access to loans, inputs, and market power, thereby perpetuating inequalities and undermining their livelihoods.

Even when women overcome social barriers to participate in agriculture, they face wage discrimination. According to the Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE), women farmers earn Tk 400-500 ($3-4) per day, compared to Tk 600 ($5) earned by their male counterparts. These disparities persist despite the labour law designed to ensure equality.

Land ownership is another critical issue. Globally, women own significantly less land than men, and in South Asia, only 4.8 percent of women in Bangladesh and 12.8 percent in India hold land. This limits women's ability to influence household and community decisions. Research shows that when women own land, they are more likely to participate in agricultural decision-making and contribute to community activities, leading to improved productivity and better outcomes for households.

The insights from the PPRC consultation prompted me to dig deeper into the gendered dynamics of agriculture. The challenges that women face are not due to inefficiency, but stem from inequitable access to resources such as family labour, high-yield crops, fertilisers, and technology. Closing these gaps would significantly boost agricultural productivity while empowering women.

Globally, women represent 43 percent of the agricultural labour force, yet they face systemic barriers that limit their contributions. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) underscores this disparity, reporting that women fall behind men in access to land, credit, services, and digital technology. Additionally, the burden of unpaid care work constrains women's opportunities for education, training, and employment. Social norms further reinforce barriers to resources and networks, stifling women's potential contributions to the agrifood sector.

Recognising the contributions of women in agriculture is crucial for achieving economic empowerment, strengthening food security, and improving nutrition outcomes. Policies that validate women's labour and ensure equitable access to resources have the power to transform agricultural systems. Empowering women in this sector is not merely a step towards achieving gender justice; it is a cornerstone of sustainable growth and long-term development.

The woman farmer from Bogura represents countless others whose voices remain unheard. Introducing initiatives such as farmer cards to formally recognise women as farmers is an essential first step. This recognition would open doors to critical resources like loans, high-quality inputs, and other agricultural benefits, enabling women to enhance their livelihoods and contribute more effectively to the country's agricultural economy.

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However, recognition alone is not enough. Policies must dismantle systemic barriers that have long marginalised women, including wage disparities, insecure land rights, and restricted access to markets. Addressing these inequalities will not only bridge the gender gap but also unleash the untapped potential of women farmers, driving agricultural innovation and growth. Donor-funded initiatives that support agricultural development, microfinance, and innovative startups often incorporate gender and social inclusion principles as core components. While these efforts contribute significantly to reducing disparities, they address only part of the challenge. A more transformative impact requires a stronger focus on policy reforms and systemic changes to ensure long-term equity and inclusivity. Women farmers are not merely participants in agriculture—they are vital to its future. No farmer should remain invisible, especially not the women whose labour sustains our food systems and fuels the hope for a more equitable and prosperous agricultural sector.

Mahjabin Rashid Lamisha is research assistant at Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC).

Views expressed in this article are the author's own.

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