Work

Barriers of Women in Acquiring Leadership Positions in Agricultural Cooperatives: The Case of Cambodia☆

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Gender inequality in agriculture remains a global concern. Cambodia is marked by a lack of women representatives in leadership and decision‐making positions at every level, a problem that is clearly seen in agriculture. Previous research suggests a need to focus on financial and time constraints for women in acquiring leadership positions. Therefore, we study the barriers that women face in acquiring and continuing in leadership roles within two farmer cooperatives in Battambang and Siem Reap Provinces, Cambodia. Qualitative data were gathered through key informant interviews and focus group discussions with smallholder farmers. We find that women in these two cooperatives do have leadership opportunities, and some do acquire leadership roles. However, they face challenges in this regard. Obstacles include domestic work burden that limits time for activities off the farm, low education that inhibits capacity and the confidence to serve as leaders, and lack of proper compensation for leadership positions. If government agencies, policymakers, donors, NGOs, and others want women to play a greater leadership role, they need to reduce the interrelated constraints of time poverty, lack of capacity, and insufficient compensation.

Source: Rural Sociology

DOI: 10.1111/ruso.12490

Authors: Sovanneary Huot, Leif Jensen, Ricky Bates, David Ader

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, University of Tennessee at Knoxville

Language: English

Topic: Cooperative Studies and Economics

Subfield: Strategy and Management

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth, Zero hunger, No poverty

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,350