This Women’s Month, I want to speak directly to the women who rise before dawn, whose hands work the soil, whose minds drive innovation, and whose leadership quietly shapes the agricultural sector from the ground up to the boardroom table.
At Avoport, we see you. We see your resilience, your ingenuity, and your unwavering commitment to feeding our communities and shaping a better tomorrow. You are the backbone of our industry, yet too often, you carry that weight without the recognition, resources, or respect you deserve.
The truth is, the challenges women face in agriculture are neither new nor inevitable. They are the product of systems and mindsets that have, for too long, overlooked or undervalued our contribution.
We know the hurdles. One of the most pressing issues is limited access to resources.
For too many women, land ownership, credit, modern farming technologies, and training remain out of reach. These are not luxuries, they are the very tools needed to build sustainable businesses and livelihoods.
Without them, growth is stifled before it even begins, and potential is left untapped.
Then there is the challenge of deep-rooted gender bias. Outdated social norms still question women’s leadership and capability. These biases often push us to the sidelines, excluding us from key decision-making spaces where our voices, perspectives, and expertise could be transformative.
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Finally, economic inequality continues to undermine progress. Women in agriculture are consistently paid less than men for the same work, and many find themselves trapped in unpaid or informal roles without job security or benefits. This not only limits individual advancement but weakens the entire sector by failing to reward and retain talent.
In the agriculture sector, where men hold the majority of leadership positions and control of resources, their role in championing women’s empowerment is not just helpful but essential. It’s about more than a collective effort among women; it requires a deliberate and intentional commitment from male leaders to actively advocate for women’s voices and contributions.
Why male advocacy is crucial in agribusiness
In an industry where gender bias often limits women’s access to land, financing, and technology, we need male mentors and allies who will use their influence to challenge the status quo. By intentionally mentioning women’s names for promotions, including their expertise in high-level discussions, and inviting them to decision-making tables, male leaders can help dismantle the traditional “boys’ club” mentality.
This ensures that women’s invaluable knowledge – from sustainable farming practices to agribusiness management – is not only recognised but also leveraged.
Ultimately, this intentional partnership is the key to building a truly gender-unified agricultural sector. By working together to overcome historical challenges, we can create an industry that is not only more equitable but also more productive, innovative, and resilient for everyone.
These are not “women’s issues.” They are societal failures. And they hold back not only women but the progress of our entire agricultural sector. You cannot have true food security, economic growth, or sustainability while ignoring half the talent in the room.
Deliberate intent and unshakable solidarity
As a 100% black and women-owned business, Avoport knows that change is possible, but it is never accidental. Real transformation is the result of intentional, collective action. This Women’s Month, I’m calling on all of us to commit to three urgent priorities that can reshape the agricultural landscape for generations to come.
First, we must empower the next generation. This means mentoring young women, equipping them with practical skills, and instilling the confidence they need to lead the next wave of agricultural innovation. When we invest in their potential, we invest in the sector’s future.
Second, we must create more seats at the table. Women’s voices belong in every decision-making space – from local cooperatives to national policy boards and global trade bodies. True progress depends on ensuring that women are not just present but influential in shaping the direction of agriculture.
Finally, we must foster unity. Our greatest strength lies in working together. By sharing our wisdom, our networks, and our resources, we can break down barriers, amplify each other’s impact, and build a sector where success is truly shared.
We cannot afford to wait for the tides to turn on their own. The agricultural future we dream of – inclusive, equitable, thriving – will be built by us, with deliberate intent and unshakable solidarity.
This Women’s Month, let’s not just celebrate women in agriculture. Let’s fight for the future they deserve.
- Shandini Naidoo is the founder and director of Avoport Pty Ltd, a company that specialises in the export and trade of agricultural produce. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of Food For Mzansi.
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