Agricultural tools are being adapted for female farmers, aiming to benefit all genders. Efforts focus on improving women's roles and health in the sector.
Adapting tools for female farmers
Sylviane Lefez, president of the National Commission of Female Farmers (CNA) of the FNSEA, stated that work has been initiated to adapt agricultural tools and equipment to female morphology, which will also benefit men. This comes seven months after the launch of a national plan aimed at improving the position of women in the agricultural sector. Raising awareness on International Rural Women's Day
Lefez noted that International Rural Women's Day on October 15 highlights the global significance of the issue of women's roles in agriculture and serves as an opportunity to raise awareness among male colleagues about the importance of shared roles. She emphasized that the health of female farmers is essential, particularly in relation to breast cancer screening, which is a significant concern for the community. Lefez's leadership and the CNA's mission
Lefez, who has been involved in unionism for several years and is also a municipal council member, explained that she became president of the CNA following the departure of Cathy Faivre-Pierret. She accepted the role to ensure the implementation of a plan negotiated during Faivre-Pierret's term and announced by Minister Genevard. Changes to spouse-collaborator status
The plan includes the elimination of the spouse-collaborator status, requiring spouses—primarily women in 80 percent of cases—to either establish themselves independently or become employees after five years. The plan provides a progressive social contribution exemption for those who choose to establish themselves, with 65 percent exemption in the first year. Support for young women in agriculture
The plan also aims to promote the profession among young girls and ensure that young women receive the same support as male candidates when establishing themselves. On a daily basis, efforts are being made to adapt agricultural tools and equipment to female morphology, as current equipment is often designed for men. Additionally, work is underway to improve the implementation of maternity replacement and parental leave. Progress and challenges in gender parity
Despite the progress, Lefez acknowledged that the number of women in agricultural organizations remains low, though there is a growing awareness in society and a shift in mindsets regarding parity. She noted that 25 percent of farmers are female and emphasized the importance of women's participation in decisions that affect them, including local trade unions, bank or insurance accounts, and cooperatives. She encouraged women to recognize their place and the value of their perspectives in enriching discussions and decision-making processes.
