Photo by [The Actionist]
South Africa – Women in agriculture, exemplified by figures like Hlobisile Bathabile Yende, are resolute in challenging the stereotypes that wrongly suggest only men can effectively manage successful farms. Hlobisile, a third-generation farmer, has admirably assumed the responsibility of running her family’s multi-generational farm.
Today, she extends a welcoming hand to aspiring women farmers, providing them with the essential skills, knowledge, and expertise needed to thrive in their careers and make significant strides in the agricultural industry. Her farm and home have become hubs of empowerment and education for women looking to succeed in agriculture.
Passing the Baton to Women Farmers
For years, advocates have passionately championed the cause of gender equality in both public and private office and corporate environments. However, a significant disparity persists between men and women in professions that require physical labour, such as farming.
Despite strides towards inclusivity and progress in various aspects of society, the agricultural sector grapples with gender inequality and ingrained stereotypes.
What implications does this have for students pursuing farming and agricultural studies, especially those who need practical training to complete their degrees?
According to Hlobisile, many farmers are hesitant to provide opportunities for these students to fulfil their educational requirements, with female students facing even more significant challenges in securing such openings.
Recognising the importance of offering women opportunities to learn and thrive in this sector, Hlobisile has made her farm more accessible and exclusively open to female students. Since 2014, she has welcomed two female students each year, providing comprehensive training covering all aspects of farming.
“When I saw that there’s a need for females, I jumped in and said, from now on, the student program will only accommodate female students because there are many programs and many farms that open up to males but not females. That’s when we changed the whole game, and we ensured that we are now making it accessible to them.”
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Passionate About Farming
While Hlobisile’s farm is dedicated to passing knowledge to the next generation of farmers, following in the footsteps of her father and grandfather, a rigorous entry process is in place to ensure that students can make the most of their training and experiences.
Hlobisile has arranged for these students to receive training without financial support from the government or funding organisations. Additionally, to minimise the risks associated with commuting to and from the farm, students must reside there for the duration of their training.
“We rise by lifting the next person. So that’s why we took it upon ourselves to accommodate these females. It’s all funded from our pocket. I always say to them that you thank me by passing on the knowledge and the experience to the next [generation].”
Despite the appearance of a one-way learning process, Hlobisile noted that each student contributes value to the farm through their thirst for knowledge, willingness to assist wherever possible, and their knack for finding solutions to potential challenges on the farm.
Since assuming responsibility for the farm from her father, Hlobisile has implemented numerous changes to enhance and preserve the farm’s principles, practices, and values. She envisions a future where the farm can accommodate even more students, expanding their educational impact. Furthermore, they are actively pursuing accreditation to enhance the value of students’ certifications upon completing their training.
