- “Who said that agriculture is only for men?” questioned businesswoman and social communicator Génesis Olivia, who decided to break this barrier by working in the corn agroindustry | Credit: Courtesy of Génesis Oliva (AgroWomen)
For five decades, a family group of agribusinessmen has dedicated themselves to producing corn in Venezuela. Currently, Génesis Oliva, a 27-year-old Venezuelan, has become the fourth generation to assume the responsibility of producing food like them. However, he decided that he would do it with another approach.
My biggest fear was that I didn’t know how to divide my life between urban and rural. I understood that it is my responsibility to apply my talents to this agribusiness. For my part, I want to continue producing food for Venezuela,” Oliva expressed in an interview for El Diario.
Before continuing with his family’s legacy, Oliva studied Social Communication at the Andrés Bello Catholic University (UCAB), and completed two master’s degrees in Switzerland and the United States to merge the best of his career with agri-food. In one of his final works he presented AgroWomenan idea that would make a difference in family tradition.
This project consists of making visible and empowering women who work in the production and distribution of the country’s agribusiness, in addition to connecting with other women around the world to provide them with a platform to share stories and experiences in the field.
At the same time, AgroWomen seeks to promote transparency in the food chain to allow Venezuelans to learn closely about the origin and production process of their food.
From Venezuela to the World Food Forum
The founder of AgroWomen participated for the first time in the World Food Forum 2024 (WFF), at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.
“Good food for all, today and tomorrow” is the name given to the program in 2024. This global network brings together experts, governments and organizations to discuss and find solutions to the challenges facing food. From food security and nutrition to climate change and sustainability.
The latest innovations in the sector are also presented, successful experiences are shared and policies are established to ensure that everyone has access to healthy and sufficient food.
To participate in the forum, Oliva applied through official channels as a civil society, contributing her experience as a Venezuelan producer without being part of any official delegation. “If you work in food production, you can apply to participate months in advance and when you are accredited there are months of prior work through meetings,” explained the Venezuelan businesswoman.
The role of women in the rural sector
In 2023, a survey by the Latin American and Caribbean Rural Women and Land Rights organization revealed that Venezuelan women farmers face multiple challenges, including lack of financing, inputs, training, and basic services such as water and electricity. These conditions limit their production and quality of life.
An FAO report revealed that women in agri-food systems tend to have less secure and lower-paid jobs than men. On a global scale, they receive an average of 82 cents for every dollar a man earns in the same sector. Additionally, their jobs tend to be more informal, temporary, and physically demanding.
It’s not just an industry for men
The first challenges that Génesis Oliva faced when starting this project were “social prejudices”, because it is an unequal industry in terms of the participation of men and women. There was also a debate between staying in Venezuelan territory or emigrating to another country.
According to a informs FAOactions to reduce gender inequalities in agriculture have a direct impact on food security, economic growth and the resilience of communities in the face of various crises, including climate change and the pandemic.
“Venezuelan women can develop enough self-confidence to believe in our abilities and dare to do things differently,” said Oliva. “And trust that, in you, there are the resources and strengths to overcome any fear and get up as many times as necessary,” he added.
Pioneers of agricultural science
In recent centuries, numerous women have made scientific discoveries that have transformed agriculture around the world. Some of the most notable are:
-Barbara McClintock: studied the chromosomes of corn, laying the foundations for genetic engineering in plants.
-María Sibylla Merian: she was a pioneer in the study of insects and their relationship with plants, contributing to the understanding of agricultural ecosystems.
-Harriet Williams Russell Strong: her work as a water conservationist was important for the sustainable management of this resource in agriculture.
-Mary Engle Pennington: developed methods to refrigerate and transport food and reduce waste.
Their participation in the forum reflects AgroWomen’s strength in breaking barriers and reaffirming that the work of women in agribusiness is essential to meet the Sustainable Development Goals and guarantee global food security.
Oliva emphasized that the innovative, resilient and family-friendly nature of this project represents an investment in the future to ensure that the next generations of women have the necessary tools to lead the transformation of food systems.
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