Egypt broke its own record last year for fruit and vegetable exports, with nearly 7 million tonnes valued at €6 billion, 20 percent of which were destined for Europe. The World Bank reports that agriculture employs the highest proportion of women in Egypt, with around 45 percent nationwide and a staggering 94 percent in Upper Egypt.
Despite these impressive statistics, the working conditions for the 5 million female farm workers in Egypt are dire. These women often work without contracts, receive half the wages of their male counterparts, and endure harsh, scorching temperatures in the fields. In response to these challenges, grassroots organizations are stepping in to advocate for women’s rights in the agricultural sector.
These organizations are campaigning to formalize women’s labor, demand fair pay, ensure workplace safety, and fight for recognition of the contributions made by female farm workers. By raising awareness of the struggles faced by women in agriculture, these groups are working towards creating a more equitable and just system for all workers in Egypt’s agricultural industry.
FRANCE 24 journalists Mathilde Delvigne and Nuria Tesón have reported on the efforts of these grassroots organizations to bring about positive change for female farm workers in Egypt. By shining a spotlight on the challenges faced by these women, they are helping to drive the conversation around gender equality and labor rights in the agricultural sector.
Overall, the work being done by these grassroots organizations is crucial in improving the lives of female farm workers in Egypt. By advocating for fair pay, workplace safety, and recognition of women’s labor, they are helping to create a more just and equitable agricultural industry for all workers in the country.
