The Rural Voice, 1977-12, Page 23Guest voices
Farm
women
a new
image
BY MARY ANN M1LTENBURG
Advanced technology has brought about a vast number of
changes in farm operations. In farming, as much as in any other
industrial sector, the reliance on human and animal muscle has
become obsolete, in the face of mechanization.
Despite all these changes, it is unfortunate that women still
play such a peripheral role in farming. Let's face it, -how often do
you see tractors operated by women? Today's tractors equipped
with power steering, power brakes, dust and sound proof cabs
and hydraulic equipment have made field work a job for anyone,
man or woman, who has the ability to learn some basic skills.
Similarly, automation in barns makes choring an excellent job for
a woman. Silo unloaders, automatic feeders, and stable cleaners
are relatively easy to run, and have taken the 'muscle' out of the
work.
Yet, why do we see so few women out there? Are they living
down to the expectation of being the weaker sex? Our culture has
many rigid attitudes towards the division of labor. It is a pity that
the concept of 'his' and 'hers' has divided a world which is
'ours'. Indeed, the existence of the 'his' and 'hers' attitude has a
very high financial and emotional cost to the farm operator.
Let us look at the average farm couple; he does the farm work
and she does the housework. The arrangement probably works
well, but how satisfying is it to them? For years they work side by
side, never really knowing what the other is doing. A widening
gap develops between them; a gap caused by a lack of
understanding. Both of them could broaden their perspective
infinitely, if they learned to share or even switch some of their
tasks. Through a cooperative effort, they will learn to appreciate
and respect each other's abilities much more. The wife's
participation can represent a real financial saving! I bet most
farmers would sooner work with their wives, than with the S5,000
per year hired man, anytime
As far as I can see, there are only two important pre -requisites
for any woman who wants to become involved in farming. It is
essential that she shows a genuine interest in farming and a
willingness to learn. Farming can become a much more
rewarding experience for a woman when she is no longer a
spectator at the sidelines. Come on, farm women...get involved.
Your involvement will narrow the gap between 'his' and 'her'
world, to make 'our' world a better place to live in.
PG.22.THE RURAL VOICE/DECEMBER 1977.
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