A young farmer in Bern. Female farmers are responsible for 70% of the world’s food.
Keystone
In Switzerland, more than 31,000 women farmers receive little or no social protection. Their professional association has therefore launched an appeal together with Swissaid, calling for better social protection under the federal agricultural policy.
The two organisations presented how the issues of social security, political representation and the improvement of the legal situation of women farmers in Switzerland and worldwide are linked.
“Female farmers are responsible for 70% of the world’s food,” they said. “The insufficient social recognition is a disgrace, which must be corrected in Switzerland and around the world.”
Worries
Female farmers work 63 hours a week, according to government statistics. However, only 30% of them receive social security and are paid for their work, said Anne Challendes, president of the women farmers association.
This difference is one of the main worries of women who contact the helpline for farmersExternal link, added Patrizia Schwegler, who is responsible for the helpline. She said the number of people getting in touch had risen since 2013.
On Wednesday the two organisations launched their appeal outside parliament in Bern, handing out postcards and apples. They aim to collect as many signatures as possible over the next four months and then hand them in to the home affairs ministry and the foreign affairs ministry.
More
More
Women farmers caught between law and tradition
This content was published on
The study, released by the Federal Agriculture Office, reveals these realities and others about the modern women working in the agricultural sector. While two-thirds of respondents say they are generally satisfied with their lives and work – up 15 per cent from a similar study done ten years ago – the clash between tradition and…
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A criminal investigation into a Swiss media editor and a former health ministry official over leaked government Covid pandemic strategy is to be closed.
‘James Bond’ Schilthorn summit re-opens in Switzerland
This content was published on
The summit of the Schilthorn mountain in Switzerland will be accessible again from Saturday after being closed for five months.
Swiss lawmakers urge tougher stance with criminal asylum seekers
This content was published on
The Swiss Senate wants to tighten laws to both restrict the movement of asylum seekers being investigated for crimes and to expel the guilty.
Switzerland eyes high-speed train fleet for European connections
This content was published on
Swiss Federal Railways eyes 40 strong high-speed train fleet to service international destinations, such as Italy and France.
This content was published on
Driven by purchases abroad, e-commerce in Switzerland continues to grow, with sales approacheing the CHF15 billion markin 2024.
Switzerland close to further restricting tobacco advertising
This content was published on
Switzerland moves a step closer to restricting tobacco advertising in the print media as one chamber of parliament votes in favour of measures.
Swiss researchers improve therapy for paralysed patients
This content was published on
Using rehabilitation robots and a spinal cord implant, Swiss researchers are helping people with spinal cord injuries to walk again.
New Swiss government minister prepared for defence mandate
This content was published on
New Swiss government minister Martin Pfister says he is prepared for the defence mandate sif he be asked to take on the vacant role.
This content was published on
At the same time, another group of women works in a greenhouse, carefully measuring the distance between furrows and dropping seeds into the soil one by one as they learn to plant a winter garden. Later, they will learn how to keep track of expenses and write invoices to the businesses that buy their wares.…
‘Swiss farmers could make a lot more money selling to the US’
This content was published on
The American ambassador to Switzerland believes the agricultural sector has evolved to make room for a potential US-Swiss free trade deal.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.