Centre for Rural Economy

Gender, environment and development

Gender, environment and development

Rural business, particularly farming and its associated activities, are often highly gendered.

For example, women play a major role in agriculture, both in the UK and globally. But their contribution is often overlooked.

Masculine interpretations

The masculine nature of the industry also affects the way:

  • the media represents farming
  • representation of women’s interests
  • we market goods
  • we organise the farmyard itself

This has implications for the success of businesses and even for farm safety.

Our research

Diversity is now recognised as being beneficial in all business environments.

We need more research to understand the part gender plays across rural issues.

We need to know how to tailor policy and practice to ensure more beneficial outcomes for both sexes.

Sally Shortall
Professor Sally Shortall is leading research into women's roles in agriculture.