Rural women: The silent pillar of the economy

In Tunisia's countryside and fields, rural women are the silent pillars of the economy, working from dawn to ensure national food sovereignty. Their labor in sowing, harvesting, and processing agricultural goods forms a decisive link in the nation's food supply chain. Behind every basket of produce, there is often a rural woman whose work quietly structures the country's agricultural economy.

These women constitute nearly half of the agricultural workforce, actively participating in production, processing, and marketing. No longer confined to the shadows, they are emerging as entrepreneurs, cooperative leaders, and key figures in local governance. Valuing their work, improving their employment conditions, and strengthening their access to social rights are not merely matters of equity but economic imperatives.

Tunisia believes that empowering these women is the most potent lever for sustainable societal transformation. Their undeniable contribution to the development of the agricultural sector is increasingly recognized. Their role could be further enhanced by expanding their participation beyond production into processing, distribution, and marketing, stages traditionally dominated by men. Improving their entrepreneurial skills and facilitating access to financial aid, micro-finance, and cooperatives are key steps.

From women working the land to engineers and researchers developing new agronomic solutions, and entrepreneurs investing in digital technologies, the role of women in Tunisian agriculture is constantly evolving. Macroeconomic projections indicate that agricultural added value should continue to grow, driven significantly by the resilience of processing sectors where women play a decisive role.