Celebrating the International Day of Rural Women 2024

We first would like to introduce Lumka Ntonjane, a dedicated woman from Flagstaff in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. Nestled within the O.R. Tambo District Municipality, Flagstaff is known for its rich agricultural traditions and beautiful landscapes. 

 

1. What inspired you to go into farming/working in the farming environment, and how has this activity evolved over time?

Growing up with a granny who instilled a deep love for farming and in a community where males were mostly involved in farming has inspired me to challenge that norm and show that women can excel too. This led me to study Animal Health, and I am now an Animal Health Technician. I am in the process of opening a Primary Animal Healthcare facility in my community, proving that women can lead and innovate in rural agriculture. 

 

2. What advice would you give to young girls in your community who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

As a 23-year-old woman, I encourage young girls to follow their passions and not be deterred by traditional gender roles. I grew up planting with my granny and through hard work and education, pursued my dream of becoming an Animal Health Technician. Women can excel in agriculture and animal health. By seeking education, staying resilient, and believing in their potential, they can lead in transforming rural communities and inspire the next generation of women in farming. 

 

3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in a rural area and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge was overcoming the belief that farming and animal health are only for men. Through my studies in Animal Health and dedication, I proved my capability. With training from the Food and Agriculture Organization, I’m now opening a Primary Animal Healthcare facility. This facility will not only care for animals but also provide education, inspiring other women to enter the field and break down barriers, proving that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated spaces.

She grew up with her parents in a traditional goat farm, and after completing her studies at the University of Piraeus (Economics Department), she returned to her home area, where, together with her husband Thanos, they founded Stalos Farm, a model goat and sheep breeding unit. There, her primary focus is her beloved goats. In addition, she has completed training at the Ioannina Dairy School and has been involved in local community affairs. 

 

1. What inspired you to go into farming, and how has this activity evolved over time?

The motivation for my involvement in livestock farming came from my parents, who were livestock farmers. I received my first influences on our family farm, and growing up around goats, I grew to love the profession of farming. After completing my studies at the University of Piraeus in Economics, I returned to the Trikala region, where my husband inspired me to open our own farm. There, he is responsible for the sheep, and I take care of the goats. It’s important that we had this mutual support, and today we have reached a very good level in terms of stable facilities, mechanical equipment, and genetic resources, while also managing to overcome insurmountable obstacles. 

 

2. What advice would you give to young girls in your community who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

The profession of livestock farming may be very demanding, but with the necessary conditions, it can provide you with a decent way of living. It requires proper organization in all areas, from stable facilities and equipment to the selection of animals and financial management. 

The role of a woman who starts a family is twofold and very demanding when combined with the profession of livestock farming. It is very important that my husband is a farmer and understands the demands of the profession. 

 

3. What initiatives or projects have you been involved in that have positively impacted your community?

I have been involved in community affairs and am a member of the Hellenic Livestock Association (S.E.K.). In the past, together with my sisters, we worked on producing dairy products, vertically integrating our family business, but we had to stop due to Covid. 

A very important chapter for me and our farm was the flood period in Thessaly (September 2023), during which we lost almost all of our livestock, all the machinery, and the animal feed. Without the necessary support, we managed to get back on our feet. 

I believe this can have a positive impact on society, especially on people affected by such extreme weather events. With a lot of effort, determination, and certainly the necessary capital, which can only be secured through good management, you can stand back on your feet again. 

She is a 23 years old sheep breeder in the département Ranerou Ferlo in Sénégal. At just 23 years old, she is a dedicated and passionate sheep breeder hailing from the Ranerou Ferlo region in Sénégal. Growing up in a rural community, she has developed a deep connection to the land and livestock, embodying the resilience and strength needed. 

 

1. What inspired you to go into farming, and how has this activity evolved over time?

After obtaining my diploma from the agri-livestock training center in Ranérou (Senegal), I chose to venture into sheep farming out of passion and for economical reason. My goal was to create income to meet my needs and those of my family. Starting with a couple of Fulani sheep, over time my activity has positively evolved with today around 50 animals, demonstrating that determination and love for what you do can lead to success, even in challenging sectors. 

 

2. What advice would you give to young girls in your community who aspire to follow in your footsteps?

First and foremost, it is essential to love what you do. Then, you need to get trained to acquire solid knowledge in livestock farming. Being available for the daily monitoring of activities is also crucial. For young girls and women, it is important to believe in yourself and not be discouraged by stereotypes or obstacles. Your passion and determination are your greatest assets. 

 

3. What is the biggest challenge you have faced as a woman in rural area and how did you overcome it?

The biggest challenge for me was to get training in sheep fattening and to start this activity as a woman. In a field often dominated by men, it is not always easy to find your place. I overcame these obstacles through a lot of perseverance, commitment, and personal sacrifices. As a woman, I had to prove my competence and determination at every step. My journey shows that, despite the difficulties, it is possible to achieve your dreams with determination and courage, and that women can excel in livestock farming. 

She is a dedicated Canadian farmer. With years of experience in farming, Chantal has become a respected figure in her community, known for her expertise and commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.

 

1. What inspired you to dedicate yourself to veterinary/agriculture and how has this activity evolved over time?

I grew up on the family farm and was always going to the barn to see the cows and take care of my little pony, Fanette, which my father had bought for me. I gradually became immersed in the daily work routines, caring for the animals, and handling tasks like assisting a cow during calving, registering heifers, naming them, feeding the calves, detecting heats, and, of course, milking my favorite cow. 

I especially enjoyed the visits from the veterinarian or technicians. At one point, I even wanted to become a milk controller! So, I decided to study zootechnology at ITA in St-Hyacinthe. At that time, the idea of taking over the farm hadn’t crossed my mind. It seemed natural, growing up in the shadow of a silo marked “Ferme Leclerc et fils” (Leclerc Farm and Son). Back in the 1980, it was almost always the son who was expected to take over… 

After finishing school and while waiting for an interesting job opportunity, my father happened to need help on the farm. That’s how I started working there and, ultimately, never left. 

We formed a company shortly after. Ferme M.C.F. Leclerc Inc. was established in 1991, and since then, the farm has consistently grown in size and performance. 

 

2. What advice would you give to girls in your community who want to follow in your footsteps?

You must be passionate and confident! This is a challenging job that comes with a lot of stress. There are economic, social, and family pressures that are particularly tough in agriculture. 

You need to have clear goals. Define the scope of your involvement and make solid, fair partnerships. 

On the good side, this work brings immense satisfaction and pride. Being a farmer also means being an entrepreneur, a manager, a human resources leader, a secretary-treasurer, part-veterinarian, part-agronomist, part-naturalist, and often a mother who watches her children grow up amidst the realities and beauty of nature, alongside the dangers of machinery and animals. 

Often, grandparents or close family will be present to pass down knowledge, creating special bonds. 

 

3. Can you share a proud moment or achievement you have experienced in your work or community involvement?

My success, my pride, is having been able to stand out by choosing a breed of cow that is uncommon in Quebec. 

I discovered a rare gem and worked with its offspring to build a high-quality herd. Several of my “daughters” have achieved successes that I am very proud of. 

I have a beautiful and productive herd that is recognized throughout the province. 

Letícia Dini Piedade from Piracicaba-SP, Brazil 

• What inspired you to dedicate yourself to veterinary/agriculture and how has this activity evolved over time?

Since I was a child, I dreamed of working as a veterinarian, and throughout college I fell in love with the area of large animals, as the years went by, and with the internships I completed, I ended up becoming more and more enchanted by the area of calf farming. 

 

2. What advice would you give to girls in your community who want to follow in your footsteps?

One kind of advice I would give to girls who want to follow in my footsteps is to never give up on your dreams, and no matter how many challenges we go through, the end result always comes, and in the end, it is rewarding. 

 

3. Can you share a proud moment or achievement you have experienced in your work or community involvement?

⁠Reduction in the number of cases of sick animals, team restructuring, and significant reduction in mortality during the breeding and rearing phases. 

 

Ana Carolina Pereira Braga from Teresópolis-RJ, Brazil

1. What inspired you to dedicate yourself to veterinary/agriculture and how has this activity evolved over time?

I come from a family where everything we have built to date is through horses. I was born, raised and have lived in this environment ever since. I could not choose any other profession than veterinary medicine. 

 

2. What advice would you give to girls in your community who want to follow in your footsteps?

Never give up on your dreams! This environment is challenging, always do your best. With a lot of humility and willpower you will get there. 

 

3. Can you share a proud moment or achievement you have experienced in your work or community involvement?

I remember a special moment when I was about to present my final thesis (final work) at college. I received a message from the owner of a very important stud farm in the Mangalarga Marchador breed, asking me to start creating the breeding area at this stud farm. My eyes filled with tears when I read the message, and I realized I was on the right path. 

 

Maria Márcia Junqueira Salles from São Luís do Paraitinga-SP, Brazil

1. What inspired you to dedicate yourself to veterinary/agriculture and how has this activity evolved over time?

I come from a genuine farming family. Certainly, my biggest inspiration since I was a little girl were my grandparents, parents, uncles, cousins. After my father’s death, we were unable to run the farm. It was rented for many years.  

But after I got married, my husband agreed to this venture and then my son and daughter also supported us and we continued the legacy that my father and mother left us. 

 

2. What advice would you give to girls in your community who want to follow in your footsteps?

I would tell them to never stop working with dedication and love, it is hard work, but if done with pleasure everything works out. 

 

3. Can you share a proud moment or achievement you have experienced in your work or community involvement?

Many moments were important for our family during the years we were developing the São José farm, but when we opened the Compost Barn ranch it was special. It was a phase that greatly marked our evolution.