Empowerment as a Strategy for Change for Farm Women in Western Industrialized Countries

Abstract

This paper discusses how women’s position and opportunities in farming can be improved, and how women can gain (increased) influence in agriculture. It examines empowerment as a possible strategy for change. This approach is derived from feminist writings and grassroots experience of third‐world women. It focuses on transformation starting from the grassroots, or the ‘powerless.’ Is empowerment a strategy for change for farm women in western industrialized countries? Despite inherent contradictions and dilemmas, is argued that empowerment can contribute to improving women’s position and opportunities in farming and also give them increased influence in agriculture and rural communities.