Women Farm Workers Research Articles

Qualitative Study to Explore the Occupational and Reproductive Health Challenges among Women Tobacco Farm Laborers in Mysore District, India.

Tobacco farm laborers are primarily women and children working for very low wages. The aim of this study was to explore occupational and reproductive health challenges faced by women tobacco farm laborers in Mysore District, India. We conducted interviews and six focus group discussions among 41 women tobacco farm laborers. Codes and themes were generated based on deductive and inductive approaches using the socioecological model. Participants reported symptoms of green tobacco sickness including headaches, back pain, gastric problems, weakness, and allergies during menstruation, pre-natal, and post-natal periods. Participants had poor awareness about the health effects of tobacco farming, and there were gender inequalities in wages and the use of personal protective equipment. Participants received support from family and community health workers during their pregnancy and post-natal period. Women reported wanting maternity benefits from the tobacco board, as well as monetary support and nutritional supplements. There is a need for health education about the environmental dangers of tobacco among farm laborers, and more supportive policies for women farmworkers during pregnancy and post-natal periods.

Physiological and Physical Responses of Heat Stress: A Study on Women Farm Workers during Wheat Harvesting

Physiological and Physical Responses of Heat Stress: A Study on Women Farm Workers during Wheat Harvesting

ISLAMIC LAW PERSPECTIVE ON GENDER EQUALITY IN IMPROVING FAMILY WELFARE

<p>Gender equality is a global issue that can contribute to improving the country's economy. The role of women in improving family welfare is very important for economic development. Islam has provided space for women to have the right to work. This study analyzes the contribution of female farm workers to family welfare in East Luwu Regency. The contribution is in the form of increasing family income and family financial management strategies. In addition, this study analyzes the perspective of Islamic law on working wives. The method used in this study is a mixed method. Quantitative methods to measure the contribution of female farm workers to family income and qualitative methods to analyze family financial management strategies, as well as the perspective of Islamic law on working wives. The results of the study show that female farm workers greatly contribute to increasing family income. In addition, women farm workers have a good financial management strategy by implementing long-term investments in the form of cattle and children's education. The perspective of Islamic law towards working wives is based on family conditions and situations. Islam does not prohibit wives from working as long as they do not violate Islamic law<strong></strong></p>

Examination of urinary pesticide concentrations, protective behaviors, and risk perceptions among Latino and Latina farmworkers in Southwestern Idaho

IntroductionStudies have documented high levels of pesticide exposure among men farmworkers; however, few have examined exposures or the experiences of women farmworkers. Data gaps also exist regarding farmworkers’ perceived risk and control related to pesticides, information that is critical to develop protective interventions. ObjectiveWe aimed to compare urinary pesticide biomarker concentrations between Latino and Latina farmworkers and examine associations with occupational characteristics, risk perceptions, perceived control, and protective behaviors. MethodsWe enrolled a convenience sample of 62 farmworkers (30 men and 32 women) during the pesticide spray season from April–July 2022 in southwestern Idaho. Participants were asked to complete two visits within a seven-day period; at each visit, we collected a urine sample and administered a questionnaire assessing demographic and occupational information. Urine samples were composited and analyzed for 17 biomarkers of herbicides and of organophosphate (OP) and pyrethroid insecticides. ResultsTen pesticide biomarkers (TCPy, MDA, PNP, 3-PBA, 4-F-3-PBA, cis- and trans-DCCA, 2,4-D, Glyphosate, AMPA) were detected in >80% of samples. Men and women had similar urinary biomarker concentrations (p = 0.19–0.94); however, women worked significantly fewer hours than men (p = 0.01), wore similar or greater levels of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), and were slightly more likely to report having experienced an Acute Pesticide Poisoning (26% of women vs. 14% of men; p = 0.25). We observed inconsistencies in risk perceptions, perceived control, and protective behaviors among men. DiscussionOur study is one the first to examine pesticide exposure and risk perceptions among a cohort of farmworkers balanced on gender. Taken with previous findings, our results suggest that factors such as job tasks, biological susceptibility, or access to trainings and protective equipment might uniquely impact women farmworkers’ exposure and/or vulnerability to pesticides. Women represent an increasing proportion of the agricultural workforce, and larger studies are needed to disentangle these findings.

Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Buruh Tani Perempuan Di Desa Wuwuk Kecamatan Tareran Kabupaten Minahasa Selatan

This study aims to describe people's perceptions of female farm laborers in Wuwuk Village, Tareran District, South Minahasa Regency. The research was conducted from May to July 2023. The data used in this study were primary data and secondary data. Primary data was obtained from direct interviews with 25 respondents who are the general public of Wuwuk Village. Secondary data obtained from literature studies, libraries, and journals. The sampling technique in this study is purposive sampling technique. The data analysis method used is descriptive analysis. The results of the study show that the people of Wuwuk Village on average agree with women's work as farm laborers because according to the community work as farm laborers is work that not only men but also women can do. The Wuwuk Village community considers that the women farm workers in Wuwuk Village are tough women whose energy and performance are not inferior to men, and there are even women whose energy and performance are better than men. However, there are also people who disagree with women's work as farm laborers because according to the community work as farm laborers is not suitable for women, they argue that women should focus on household activities.

The Contribution of Farmer Women in the Household Income of Rice Farmers in Desa Patapan Kecamatan Torjun Kabupaten Sampang

Peasant women's resources are one of the great potentials in contributing labor to production activities. Farmer women play an important role in farming activities to increase rice production. In the process of rice farming, rice fields always involve women, therefore women are considered very important. Women are able to divide their time even behind their busy lives as housewives. The importance of this study is to analyze the contribution of peasant women to rice farming families, factors that influence the magnitude of these contributions and the level of welfare of rice farming families in Patapan Village. This research was conducted in Patapan Village, Torjun District, Sampang Regency. The respondents in this study were all peasant women who had families and owned their own cultivated rice fields and worked as farmers totaling 30 people. The first objective is analyzed using the scale of land tenure. The second objective was analyzed using multiple linear regression analysis. The third objective was analyzed using a household expenditure approach using the sajogyo criterion. The results showed that the income of rice farming women to family income of 41.71% means that the contribution of peasant women is dominant and quite significant. The second objective of the results of multiple linear regression analysis was obtained that partially the income of farm women (Y) influenced by variables X1, X2, X3, X4 and X5 had a real or significant influence on the income of women farmworkers (Y) by 78.4% and the remaining 21.6% was influenced by other variables that were not studied. The degree of welfare ofthe farmer's family is obtained from the calculation of per capita expenditure of 486.8 kg equivalent to rice / year, meaning that the farmer's household life is sufficient.

The Role of Women's Agricultural Workers and Household Economic Resilience

The involvement of women in the agricultural sector can be viewed in various aspects of social, economic, political, cultural, and religious life. This article describes the role of women's agricultural workers concerning household economic resilience, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This research also seeks to systematically reveal the factors that encourage women to choose to become agricultural workers compared to other sectors and the obstacles they face in efforts to increase household economic resilience. This research uses a qualitative approach with the type of case study. This study involved six informants who were selected using a purposive technique. Documentation techniques and in-depth interviews were carried out for data collection. The results showed that women had an essential contribution to the economic resilience of farmer households before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pattern of short-term farming ranging from 3-4 months is seen as needing to be more prospective to support the family's economy. Economic background, education background, low skills, and the perception of independent women are seen as factors causing women to work as agricultural workers to help with family finances. The role of women is significant in maintaining household economic resilience both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Urgent basic needs can be met even though most are at the minimum level of fulfillment. The expertise of women farm workers in managing and allocating income positively impacts aspects of family economic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ergonomic assessment of wheel hoe and design compliance for women farm worker

Weeding is carried out by women farm workers with hand tools and most of these tools are operated in squatting or bending posture. These tools are essentially designed for male farm workers. One of the common hand tool used for weeding is wheel hoe. Therefore, ergonomic assessments of an existing wheel hoe and design modification were done to make it compatible for women workers. The wheel hoe was ergonomically evaluated for physiological and postural parameters. Mismatches were observed between required energy and sustainable energy output and between tool dimensions and anthropometric measurements of female operators. Based on the ergonomic evaluation the hoe was modified with two blade sizes and three handle widths .The modified wheel hoes were re-evaluated. Working with an existing wheel hoe was categorized as “heavy work” with “higher” overall discomfort. Heart rate, oxygen consumption and energy expenditure were lowest for modified weeder (10%-440mm) and the work classification improved to “moderate category”. The resting period with the modified hoe reduced from 33.4 min to 20.7 min for one hour work cycle. With change in handle dimensions shoulder, elbow and wrist deviation were close to the natural range of motion. The body part discomfort score and overall discomfort score also reduced from 31 and 2.5 respectively to 18 and 1.5 for modified weeder (10%-440mm). Women workers found the modified hoe with 10% blade dimension and handle width 440mm, very comfortable to use. Modifications in the existing wheel hoe according to anthropometric parameters of female workers reduced energy consumption, body deviations and rest pause between work cycles and thus enhanced work output.

Al-ʿUcha

<i>Al-ʿUcha</i>

The Dual Role Of Women Farm Workers In Payung Village, Payung District, South Bangka Regency

This research aimed to describe the dual roles of working women is unavoidable nowadays, as the practice by women farmworker's in Payung Village, they carry out their activities in domestic and public spheres, apart from having a role in household affairs, they also work outside the home. The purpose of this research is to find out the form of the dual roles of women farmworkers, and what factors that encourage women to work as farmworkers, how the impact of this dual roles on women farmworkers. This research using descriptive qualitative approach. The sources of research data come from primary and secondary data. Primary data is obtained through observation and interviews with women farmworkers, the husbands, and also land owners. Secondary data is obtained through documentation and library research. The technique for determining informants used purposive sampling technique. The theory to analyze the phenomenon in this research is the theory of liberal feminism by MaryWollstonecraft. The results of the research show the dual roles of women farmworkers is the role of a housewife that caring to household affairs, and have a social role in group or community. Then the factors that encourage women to work as farmworkers are because they should complete family needs, low education levels, and salaries. Meanwhile, the impacts including the positive and negative. The positive impact is that women farmworkers can increase their independence to earn income and their time for socializing. The negative impact is declining health conditions due to work and also feeling guilty.

Dependency, Paternalism and Financial Control of Women on South African Wine Farms

This study examined the experiences of women farmworkers on South African wine farms, which have a troubling history of paternalism and dependency. This article discusses the enactment of patriarchal norms on South African wine farms today, especially concerning women of colour. Our qualitative study draws on the experiences of 30 farmworkers on five wine farms in the Western Cape. We argue that the women on these farms are reduced to the most exploited participants in the production network and that their exploitation and dependency subsidise the functioning of farm production networks. Our study finds that farms are able to secure the reproductive and casual labour of women through their dependency on men as their partners and farmers, with their partners sometimes acting as informal labour brokers. Increased labour casualisation on wine farms places women at risk, exposing them to the danger of financial control and abuse. We conclude that current norms and practices on South African wine farms rely on the continued oppression of women farmworkers.

“Living by Others”: Work Performance and Basic Need Fulfillment Among Women Farmworkers

This article explores Indonesian women who work as farmworkers, whose lives depend on working on other people’s agricultural land. The income earned by the women farmworkers is not high since female farm work is a seasonal job in agriculture. This research was conducted in Banyuwangi Regency as one of the largest farming areas in East Java Province, Indonesia, using a qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. Purposive sampling is a chosen technique in this research, involving ten women farmworkers, a farmworker spouse, and two landlords. Combining Scott’s subsistence ethics and existentialist feminism by Beauvoir, the research found that the work performed by women in East Java, Indonesia is a form of women’s existentialism that is carried out by experiential knowledge in working capabilities, constructing equality and gender roles through the men-women division of labor, and strengthening women farmworkers identification through work. Furthermore, women farmworkers make various efforts to fulfill their basic needs as their subsistence ethics. They utilize various side jobs that they can still do, reducing expenses and being owed by relatives, neighbors, and rice field owners in their hometown.

É a fome que te faz morrer, não a doença! As trabalhadoras agrícolas entre o martelo da precariedade e a bigorna da COVID-19: impactos e estratégias de sobrevivência

This paper analyzes the impact of COVID 19 on the socio-economic situation of women farm workers in the Saiss and Gharb plains and the coping strategies that these women have mobilized to deal with it. The vast majority of the women interviewed continued to work in an environment fraught with risk and uncertainty. Faced with reduced employment opportunities, the constant risk of contamination, stigmatization, and difficulties in providing for their families, the women workers mobilized various forms of adaptation to ensure their survival and that of their families. Highlighting these capacities for adaptation and resilience allows us to rethink the role and working conditions of this category forgotten of public policy.

Latina farmworkers' experiences: Maintaining dignity in an oppressive workplace

AbstractFarmworkers in the United States support the billion‐dollar agriculture industry, but they and their work are largely undervalued and ignored. While workplace research has thoroughly examined mistreatment at work, there is little research that delves into non‐traditional workplaces–like those that employ farmworkers. Moreover, a focus on women farmworkers is even rarer, given that farmwork is a field dominated by men. However, an intersectional approach reveals Latina farmworkers' position in the U.S. in terms of the multiple hierarchies of status, power and privilege that affect them. Our study used thematic analysis to examine Latina farmworker experiences. Interviews with 14 Latina farmworkers revealed that they experience an oppressive workplace where discrimination and harassment are present. Despite these indignities, women still name positive aspects of their place of employment and ways in which they maintain their dignity in these challenging work settings.

Assessment of Participation of Women Farm Workers in Agricultural Activities in Maize-Wheat Cropping System of Udaipur District

Women play a major and crucial role within the agricultural operations. Agriculture is the major occupation in our country and more than 70% of the population depends directly or indirectly on agriculture. In India, 82% of the farmers own marginal and small land less than 2 hectares (Food and agriculture organization). Most Percentages of the women hail from rural areas where the impact of science and technology on the standard of living is limited. This study was conducted to investigate the Percentage participation of women farm workers in agriculture activities in district Udaipur during 2019-20. Five villages of Vallabh Nagar and Gogunda block/Tehsil of the Udaipur district of Rajasthan state were selected randomly for this study, representing the maize-wheat cropping area of the zone. An interview schedule was used to collect data from a random sample from 500 farmers with farm units less than or equal to 2 hectares and follows maize-wheat cropping system. Women in the study area showed active participation in agricultural activities together and alone in Gogunda and Vallabh Nagar blocks. Women of study area also showed the highest traditional participation and spends much time in agriculture activities. The average time spent by women per hectare basis in weeding operations, cob picking, stalk harvesting during maize crop are 94-161, 214, 99-118 hours/hectare/woman respectively and 110 – 138 hours/hectare/woman during harvesting in wheat crop. These activities are considered the most drudgery prone activities in Maize-Wheat cropping system. Moreover, women perform some of these identified tasks traditionally due to limited knowledge and skill in applying science and technology to daily living, which consumes most of their time and energy. These were the major causes of discontentment among women involved in agricultural activities. There is no doubt that some of the traditional implement have low risk. Still, at the same time they also have a low level of productivity whereas, improved agricultural tools and implements provides high productivity.

Ergonomic Evaluation of Women Farm Workers Using Different Manual Weeding Tools in Maize Crop of Udaipur District

Women play a major and crucial role in doing the agricultural operations. The women workers in Udaipur district mostly uses sickle and kudali for doing weeding operations. This study was conducted in 2019-20 at instructional Farm, CTAE, Udaipur with women farm workers during the manual weeding operation by using different traditional tools like hand hoe (kudali) along with technically and ergonomically designed wheel hand hoe. The main objective of the study was to investigate the most drudgery prone tool and to recommend the proper tool for doing weeding operations in maize crop. Use of proper tools not only reduce the drudgery but also improves the operating efficiency along with the comfort, besides improving the productivity of the women farm workers in doing the operation. In view of this, an effort has been made to assess the physical and physiological parameters of women farm workers who are using traditional farm tools along with the improved tools for doing weeding operation in maize crop. The whole study was conducted on ten female farm workers identified from the population of workers in the age group of 18 to 45 years. During the experiment, physiological workload i.e., heart rate, oxygen consumption rate, energy expenditure rate and physical workload i.e., overall discomfort rate, rate of perceived exertion and Musculo-skeletal problems were measured. The Pratap wheel hand hoe saves nearly 36% of the cardiac cost of the worker per unit of output and wheel hand hoe saves nearly 38% of the cardiac cost of the worker per unit of output which is nothing but reduction in drudgery by 36% and 38% by both the weeding tools over kudali. Area covered with Pratap wheel hand hoe and wheel hand hoe were 1.70 and 1.69 times more over kudali.

Trapped in Debt: Gendered Life and Western Cape Farms

This article draws on interviews with women farm workers and trade union organisers as well as my observations as an activist working with farm workers in post-apartheid South Africa. It highlights women farm workers’ entrapment in past and present cycles of disempowerment, drawing attention to the paradox that the producers of food are often those who have least access to the most basic human rights, including the right to food. Poor working conditions and low wages create indebtedness and a dependence on farm owners and therefore perpetuate powerlessness. The article highlights the complexities of how these farm workers navigate worlds of food production and food purchasing.

Exposure to Workplace Sexual Harassment among Women and Men Farmworkers in the U.S. and Mexico.

Women and men farmworkers reported workplace sexual harassment (WSH). WSH occurred as frequently as daily. Both coworkers and leadership were perpetrators of WSH. This study explores experiences relevant to workplace sexual harassment (WSH) in agriculture among men and women farmworkers in California (U.S.) and Michoacán (Mexico). Anecdotal evidence documents women farmworkers having to endure behavioral, verbal, and physical WSH including sexual ogling, degrading language, groping, and requests for sex in exchange for work. We include survey comparisons between men and women in California and Michoacan on WSH among farmworkers. We conducted 197 farmworker surveys (38 men and 59 women in California; 40 men and 60 women in Michoacán). Community advisory boards contributed expertise and input for study strategies, materials, and dissemination. Survey participant ages ranged from 23 to 54 years old. Half worked in Mexico, 68% were married, 80% had children, and 47% had less than 7 years of education. Most farmworkers spoke Spanish and Purhépecha, an indigenous language spoken by the Purhépecha people in Michoacán. We used two strategies to measure WSH exposure in the previous year: (1) direct inquiry-based survey items (asking "Have you ever been the victim of or bystander to workplace sexual harassment?") documenting WSH among women (49%) and men (21%) in California and among women (7%) and men (13%) in Michoacán, and (2) behavior-based WSH items (using explicit examples of WSH behaviors perpetrated against the participant or witnessed by the participant as a bystander) documenting WSH among women (as high as 53%) and men (as high as 45%) in California and among women (as high as 65%) and men (as high as 68%) in Michoacán. Women farmworkers in California reported WSH experiences exceeding those of men. Reported WSH experiences in Michoacán were similar for men and women. Farmworkers identified WSH perpetrators as coworkers more than leadership. The frequency of exposure ranged from daily, weekly, monthly, and up to multiple times a year. Of 46 direct inquiry-based WSH incidents, only one perpetrator was punished, and at least half of all victims said they were forced to change their jobs. The findings of this study inform the development of WSH prevention efforts, such as education tools, support for efforts to facilitate reporting, protections against retaliation for workers, and promoting accountability for perpetrators. This information supports the promotion of policy recommendations and preventive approaches for WSH.

Conhecimento, atitude e prática de trabalhadoras rurais sobre prevenção do câncer de colo uterino

Objetivou-se identificar o conhecimento, a atitude e a prática sobre a prevenção do câncer de colo uterino de mulheres trabalhadoras rurais, bem como conhecer o perfil sociodemográfico, as principais dificuldades para realização do exame citopatológico e os fatores de risco do câncer de colo uterino. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, de corte transversal, desenvolvido com 50 trabalhadoras rurais associadas ao Sindicato dos Trabalhadores Rurais da cidade de Vitória de Santo Antão, Pernambuco. Dentre as mulheres entrevistadas, em relação à prevenção do câncer de colo uterino, 32 (64%) possuíam conhecimento inadequado; 26 (52%) apresentavam atitude adequada e 39 (78%) apresentavam prática adequada. As trabalhadoras rurais precisam conhecer o exame citopatológico e a importância de sua realização, para aderirem à prática do exame. Dessa forma, é de grande importância definir estratégias para suprir as deficiências encontradas, de maneira que essas mulheres possam ter mais conhecimento do exame e adesão ao mesmo

“It’s Wrong because It Could Be My Sister, Wife, or Mother”: Workplace Sexual Harassment among Men and Women Farmworkers in USA and Mexico

ABSTRACT These findings from focus groups explore attitudes, beliefs, perspectives, and experiences relevant to workplace sexual harassment (WSH) among men and women farmworkers in California, USA, and Michoacán, Mexico. Focus groups are stratified by country and gender, with two in California (10 men and 10 women) and two in Michoacán (8 men and 5 women). This community-based participatory research includes Community Advisory Boards (CABs) consisting of farmworkers, academicians, non-profit organizations, attorneys, industry personnel, and community leaders who took part in strategy and the development of materials. Themes are related to the experience of, responses to, and farmworkers’ recommendations for prevention of WSH. Although men and women faced WSH, women’s experiences were more severe and frequent. Participants condemned WSH as contrary to principles of caballerosidad, cortesía, respeto – cultural values promoting respect for others and protection for vulnerable persons. Participants endorsed the notion that women are responsible for WSH. Although farmworkers try to resolve WSH on their own with help from co-workers, family, and leadership, they face significant barriers that silence victims and allow WSH to persist. All farmworkers recommended that management set a good example and enforce consequences for offenders. Implications include directly appealing to cultural values (emphasizing respect), incorporating bystander education, and countering the myth that women are responsible for WSH in workplace training. WSH is a recognized occupational hazard that affects all directly or indirectly exposed workers. We emphasize that employers are ultimately responsible for their workers’ safety, supported by a governmental regulatory role. Enforcement of existing policy is needed in California , whereas awareness and policy development is needed in Michoacán. These findings will support the researchers, agricultural community, educators, and organizations working to prevent WSH.