Empowering Rural Women in Tando Allahyar

Tando Allahyar, a district located in the southern region of Sindh, Pakistan, spans 1,555 square kilometers and is home to 922,012 individuals as per the 2023 census. Nearly half of the population, 49%, consists of women, with approximately 70% of the population residing in rural areas. Agriculture is the primary livelihood, with key crops including mangoes, bananas, sugarcane, and various vegetables. Women contribute significantly—over 60%—to the agricultural sector through activities ranging from seed preparation to harvesting. Despite their substantial involvement, their efforts often go unrecognized and unrewarded.

The Role of Women in Agriculture

Rural women in Tando Allahyar are involved in almost every stage of agricultural production:

1. These include seed preparation, planting, weeding, earthing, harvesting, and packing.

2. Women play a critical role in drying, storing, and preserving crops, helping to reduce post-harvest losses.

3. Beyond farming, women handle domestic chores such as cooking, cleaning, animal care, fetching water, and tailoring.

Women often work up to 15 hours daily, balancing these demanding roles. However, their contributions remain undervalued, and they are largely excluded from household and community decision-making processes. This overburdened lifestyle leads to widespread issues such as malnutrition, inadequate healthcare, and limited educational opportunities.

Barriers to Empowerment

The rural women of Tando Allahyar face several challenges that hinder their economic and social growth:

1. Limited Access to Credit and Financial Resources: Lack of collateral and social barriers often restrict women from accessing loans and financial support.

2. Healthcare Deficiencies: The high prevalence of malnutrition and insufficient maternal healthcare exacerbate health risks.

3. Lack of Awareness of Rights and Policies: Although policies like the Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act 2019 provide safeguards, most women remain unaware of their rights.

4. Cultural and Social Constraints: Gender-based discrimination often limits women’s mobility and opportunities to pursue advanced roles in agriculture.

Opportunities for Empowerment

Despite these challenges, there are numerous opportunities to empower rural women in agriculture in Tando Allahyar:

1. Policy Support and Awareness Campaigns

Policies like the National Agricultural Policy and Sindh Women Agriculture Workers Act 2019 aim to ensure equal access to resources and safeguard rights. Local NGOs, government bodies, and international organizations such as FAO and UN Women can launch awareness campaigns to educate women about these entitlements. In Punjab, training programs organized by the Punjab Agricultural Research Board (PARB) have successfully increased women's participation in decision-making and farm management, a model that can be replicated in Tando Allahyar.

2. Skill Development and Vocational Training

Skill-based training in food preservation, apiculture, and small-scale agribusiness can help women diversify income streams. For instance:

1. Women can produce sun-dried mangoes, bananas, and onions, reducing post-harvest losses and generating income.

2. Utilizing banana pseudo-stems to create biodegradable ropes and baskets offers an eco-friendly income source.

3. Establishing honeybee colonies can yield high-value products with growing demand in local and international markets.

In neighboring India, women-led cooperatives producing banana fiber products have successfully created employment opportunities while contributing to sustainability.

3. Promoting Kitchen Gardening

Kitchen gardening offers women a means to grow organic vegetables for both consumption and sale. This practice ensures food security and reduces household expenses while promoting better nutrition.

In a village in Tharparkar, Sindh, women-led kitchen gardening initiatives have improved family nutrition and provided supplementary income.

4. Cottage Industries and Entrepreneurship

Encouraging women to establish small-scale industries, such as handmade crafts or organic food products, can empower them financially. Partnerships with local businesses can help market these products nationally and internationally.

In Tando Jam, Sindh, women engaged in embroidery have found success by marketing their products through online platforms.

Collaborative Efforts for Empowerment

The role of stakeholders is crucial in realizing the potential of rural women in Tando Allahyar:

1. Investments in rural infrastructure, healthcare, and education can provide women with the resources they need to thrive.

2. Collaboration with agribusiness firms can help women access better markets and advanced technologies.

3. Local leaders and organizations must actively involve women in decision-making processes and foster community-driven initiatives.

In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, community-driven water management projects have empowered women by involving them in resource allocation and governance.

Overcoming Cultural Barriers

Addressing deeply entrenched social norms is essential for women's empowerment. Programs focused on gender sensitization and education can help shift societal attitudes. Awareness campaigns in rural Sindh have successfully encouraged families to allow women to pursue education and entrepreneurial activities.

The Role of Technology

Digital platforms and mobile applications can provide women with access to agricultural information, financial services, and markets. The "Bakhabar Kisan" app in connects farmers with real-time weather updates, market prices, and farming advice, enabling women to make informed decisions.

Benefits of Empowering Rural Women

Empowering women in agriculture has a ripple effect on the broader community:

1. Women’s active participation can significantly boost agricultural productivity and household income.

2. Diversified farming practices led by women can reduce dependency on monoculture, enhancing food security.

3. Women are more likely to adopt eco-friendly farming methods, contributing to environmental conservation.

Conclusion

The rural women of Tando Allahyar are the backbone of the district’s agricultural economy. By addressing their challenges and harnessing their potential, they can transform not only their lives but also their communities. From skill development and policy awareness to promoting entrepreneurship and sustainable practices, a multi-faceted approach is necessary. Empowering these women will not only ensure the sustainability of Tando Allahyar’s agricultural sector but also serve as a model for rural development across Pakistan. Through collective action, we can unlock the potential of rural women and pave the way for a prosperous and equitable future.

Please note that the views expressed in this article are of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of any organization.

Kaldeep Kumar is affiliated with the Faculty of Social Sciences, Sindh Agricultural University, Tandojam, Pakistan.

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