FATIMA'S FARM
The empowerment of rural women is of benefit not only to themselves but to their families and their communities. Research shows that women spend on average a much greater percentage than men of the money they earn on their families’ food, housing, health and education. However, most commonly, rural women when employed, tend to be seasonal casual workers paid on a daily or piece rate basis.
The concept behind Fatima’s Farm was to provide women with salaried employment all year. The concept went a stage further in that the farm is managed by women and all workers are women. To help break down gender stereotypes, roles typically performed by men, such as tractor operators, will be performed by women.
Thirty women, the majority of whom are either widows or single mothers, are employed. Activities include maize, rice, fish farming and vegetable cultivation. Fatima's Farm is currently establishing a pineapple plantation.
