At the end of the public debate that she took part in, Evelyn Nguleka was interviewed by WE- Women for Expo about the role of women in agriculture.

“It is important to highlight that women contribute by more than 80% to the world food production. Statistics show that women play a central role in the food value chain, especially when we look at Asia and Africa. It is therefore crucial that women be treated as central figures. They must have access to power and education and be granted equal rights.”

 

You mention the issue of recognising women rights. Do you think it is still necessary to address this subject?

 

I think in some regions and societies people do not have a clear view of what women’s rights are. In fact in some cultures it is the women themselves who don’t have a clear understanding of what their rights are, so I am also talking about the self-awareness of women.

 

How important is it, according to you, for women to join forces for a common cause?

 

Forming an alliance and working together as women is important in the sense that it helps bring out a sense of identity and potential that, for a long time, has been overshadowed by our male counterparts. The idea, however, is not to exclude men from our battle, but for men and women to come together in the fight for rights and to reach goals that are fundamental to us all as human beings, without necessarily considering the gender you belong to.

 

Click here to read the full interview on the World Farmers' Organization.