Breaking Barriers and Pioneering change through Farming
๐๐จ๐ฆ๐๐ง ๐จ๐ ๐๐ข๐งฬ๐ 
๐๐ณ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ฃ๐ข๐ณ๐ณ๐ช๐ฆ๐ณ๐ด ๐ข๐ฏ๐ฅ ๐ฑ๐ช๐ฐ๐ฏ๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ณ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ ๐ค๐ฉ๐ข๐ฏ๐จ๐ฆ ๐ต๐ฉ๐ณ๐ฐ๐ถ๐จ๐ฉ ๐ง๐ข๐ณ๐ฎ๐ช๐ฏ๐จ
In the past, farming has been predominantly associated with men. However, women have always played a crucial role in agriculture, often working behind the scenes to ensure the success of their families' farms. Today, women are breaking barriers and pioneering change in the field of farming within this archipelago and across the globe.
For instance, the increase of female farmers in the Philippines who are taking charge of growing the exotic Red Spanish pineapple that is used for making Barong and Baro at Saya. This variety of pineapple was introduced to the Philippines in the 16th century by the Spanish colonizers and has been a staple crop as source of fibers for weaving. Red flower of Spanish pineapple variety indicates the presence of strong piรฑa fibers after a maturation period of 18 to 20 months. This specific variety of pineapple is the preferred variety among three others in the Philippines as it yields longer and stronger quality of fiber for weaving.
Traditionally, men were responsible for the cultivation of crops. A small portion of land beside other crops is allotted for piรฑa farming as livelihood of fiber production for their wives. While women, on the other hand were often relegated to domestic duties like attending to household chores, taking care of the children and farming responsibilities falling solely on the shoulders of men. Women of the family are left in the house while the men are in the farm taking care of the pineapple. Mature leaves are harvest after its maturity period of 18 to 20 months. Leaves are brought back home to women who will then produce the piรฑa fibers. However, female farmers of today are challenging these outdated norms and proving that they are as capable as their male counterparts. Women are now stepping up to the plate and proving their mettle in this patriarchal industry or economy.
The process of growing Red Spanish pineapple is a labor-intensive one that requires strength, patience, dedication, and a deep understanding of the plant's necessity. Women farmers in the Philippines are springing up to the challenge, demonstrating their resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. They are not only taking on the physical demands of farming but also embracing new technologies and innovative techniques to improve their yields and the quality of pineapple leaves they grow.
Women in farming are breaking down cultural barriers and pioneering the change that have long prevented them from fully participating in the agricultural sector. Womenโs participation in farming Spanish red pineapple sustains and strengthens the value chain of Aklan piรฑa. Their contributions to the agricultural sector are invaluable and their success serves as an inspiration to future generations of culture bearers.
Happy National Womenโs month to our women farmers!