Farming in my DNA: Legacy, vocation, and a new vision for agriculture
I have been connected to the agricultural sector since I was a kid. I grew up in a family that has been livestock farming in Uruguay for five generations, and my best memories, in one way or another, are always tied to the countryside.
This environment sparked a deep attraction to agronomy in me. However, the decision to study this degree was not easy, given the lack of female role models in farming at the time. After a year’s detour into another subject, I found the courage to overcome my limiting belief that “agronomy is a man’s career.” I gave it a chance, and since then, I have confirmed it is my true calling.
This profession led me to study, work, and live in different regions, where I observed firsthand the differences in social norms and the inclusion of women in both agriculture and society. Consequently, these experiences changed my perspective and broadened my understanding of the challenges faced by women in the rural sector and society at large.
Upon returning to Uruguay in 2024, this revelation hit even closer to home. My experience living in Italy and New Zealand allowed me to see women in leadership positions—from leading nations to traditional roles working alongside men in rural settings—which opened my eyes to new possibilities. It was a new vision for agriculture, far more integrated than I was used to. It revealed the long road my country still has to travel to recognise and value women’s capacity, overcome inequalities, achieve gender equity, and improve their livelihoods.
This concern was the engine that drove me to get actively involved in the search for recognition and change in our sector. It was an impulse that led me to reach out to leaders, colleagues, communities, and organisations to work together, as well as to educate myself and reflect on our role and what needs to be transformed.
International recognition of rural women
Historically, women have played a fundamental role in agri-food systems, contributing to food security, environmental protection, and the sustainability of rural communities. However, this work has often been made invisible, poorly recognised, and scarcely valued.
Despite their essential role, rural women consistently face barriers, including limited access to land ownership, limited access to credit, high levels of unpaid work, and under-representation in decision-making spaces. These barriers not only limit their professional growth and leadership in the agricultural sector but also restrict their economic autonomy and lead to greater food insecurity for women compared to men.
To highlight this inequality and address the issue, the United Nations observes the International Day of Rural Women on 15 October, recognising their essential role in agricultural development, food security, and the eradication of poverty. This date brings visibility to the often-unpaid work of women in the field.
Furthermore, the United Nations General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This announcement is not just another event; it is a signal of recognition for the vital contribution of women to global agriculture and the unique challenges they face.
Anchored in my new vision of a more equitable agricultural sector upon returning to my country, I believe this designation offers a unique opportunity to raise awareness about the role of women in the agri-food sector, promote more inclusive policies, and facilitate fairer access to resources and opportunities. Moreover, these initiatives align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in promoting gender equality in agri-food systems (SDG 5) and Zero Hunger (SDG 2).
The current situation of rural women in Uruguay
In Uruguay, a low proportion of women (20%) work formally in the agricultural sector (MGAP, 2026). Job opportunities for women in the sector are limited and often pay lower wages.
Furthermore, women’s unpaid workload is higher than men’s. In the livestock sector—the country’s most traditional—job offers for women are often restricted to domestic tasks, while field work is mostly reserved for men.
This tradition stems from the country’s history, where the “china” (the traditional rural woman) dedicated herself to caregiving and housework, while the “gaucho” (man) went out to “lasso wild cattle.” However, in the current context, this tradition does not keep pace with changes in production systems.
Over the last decade, a trend towards greater inclusion of women in rural areas has emerged—particularly in field tasks, technical consultancy, and even within agricultural trade unions. Nevertheless, representation remains very low compared to men.
For this reason, and based on my experience working, living, and analysing this context in various countries, a cultural and structural shift is urgent. As men and women in the industry, we should vindicate women for their capacity and their role in production and sustainability. Rural reality must align with an equitable and international vision. I hope that the Uruguayan countryside becomes a place that fosters new opportunities for the inclusion of rural women, enabling them to work with recognition and dignity.
The reality of rural women in Uruguay
The good news is that I am not alone in this wish. With that conviction, at the beginning of 2025, I began building an international community: the Global Network of Women in Sustainable Livestock. Although this space is currently in its early stages, it was born with the firm purpose of connecting professionals and organisations that share my goal: to empower and bring visibility to the role of rural women.
It was through this network of contacts that the opportunity to join the She Vets Africa initiative arose, where I mentored young female veterinarians across the African continent in their professional development.
Following this same line of action, in 2026, alongside other colleagues (both women and men who empathise with the cause), we began to create spaces for dialogue on the ground—titled “Voices of Rural Women“—within the framework of agricultural shows. These meetings aim to highlight the historical work of rural women in Uruguay and foster a better understanding of the persistent challenges and the opportunities we must create as a society.
Producers, technicians, entrepreneurs, and rural workers all face the challenge of being women in a male-dominated environment where, generally, they are undervalued. Listening to their real stories, full of courage and resilience, makes the mental toll evident as they prove their ability to earn their place in the sector.
Some women say they have suffered discrimination in their personal or professional lives. But many also say they have never experienced it. This difference raises a question for me: Could we have normalised certain barriers to the point of not recognising them as unfair? It isn’t always a conscious struggle for space. Sometimes it is a silent adaptation to a system that, historically, has pushed us into the background.
Therefore, these dialogues for rural women aim to be a space of inspiration for others—not just in the rural world, but in various industries facing the same issues. Ultimately, these spaces seek to unite the entire agricultural community, especially Uruguay’s great livestock-farming family, to reflect on the role women play in rural areas and work together to change that reality.
As part of this ecosystem of actions, we are building a support community: the “Uruguay Women Livestock Network.” This platform was designed to connect, highlight, and empower women working at the intersection of these sectors. In this way, we are not just creating isolated dialogues, but a true connection with an eye on the future and the actions we can take together, as allies with a shared history and common challenges.
Looking ahead
I have seen firsthand how other countries have broken down stereotypes and integrated the female perspective into decision-making, ensuring that women’s leadership is the norm rather than the exception. Because of this, I am confident that with the support and recognition of society and organisations, we can move towards gender equality in the Uruguayan livestock sector, creating an impact that lasts well beyond 2026.
Are you part of the sector or interested in joining the livestock community?
Get in touch, and let’s keep building inclusive production systems together that truly account for rural women!
Leave a Reply