07/30/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EfH3yJGuR/?mibextid=wwXIfr
From the President’s desk…
Well, August finds us halfway through the summer season. I hope you are finding some time to enjoy some fun, rest, and relaxation.
Recently, ACWW held a webinar on Mental Health and the Isolation of Women Farmers. There were six speakers from various parts of the world, including Louise Taylor, Australia; Cara Ausmus, USA; Moranda von Geest, Canada; Dr. Vinayak Hegana, Centre for Farmers’ Mental Health; and Tshegofatso Mputle, South Africa. Each answered a series of questions that described the challenges women farmers face in their areas.
One point that emerged was that the move from family farms to large farms has not made anything easier for women farmers. On family farms, as Moranda noted, there were often two or three generations, with grandparents looking after the children while parents planted or harvested the crops. With large farms, grandparents may find themselves a few hours—or even provinces—away from the children and therefore not always “right there” to lend a hand. There are often no day care centres available in rural areas, and the distance to town is not reasonable. Women farmers often find themselves serving as managers and accountants while men operate the machinery. It was also noted that women farmers still face pushback when men are looking for the “man” of the farm.
In response to those challenges, Tshegofatso Mputle felt that “we need to inspire and encourage each other. We need a group to do that, to help women farmers stay connected, share challenges, and look for solutions together. These conversations can change lives.” One solution that Cara Ausmus shared was to use “mailbox meetings” or “virtual meetings,” where members meet to share their challenges and look for solutions together.
The concerns about child care are not new. In 1990, the Federated Women’s Institutes of Canada recognized issues with child care in rural Canada and conducted the Rural Child Care Survey Project. At that time, the project noted the challenges facing women farmers, including the lack of day care spaces in their communities. The report recommended changes to the ways governments provided financial assistance to child care services. The emphasis was strongly on providing income support to families to make their own choices and on designing policies that gave communities flexibility to develop local programs that fit local needs.
Yet here we are in 2026, still facing many of the same concerns about child care for women farmers. While some progress has been made, the need for connection, support, and practical solutions remains. Tshegofatso’s reminder that women farmers need opportunities to connect feels especially timely. The Women’s Institute has always been a place where women can listen to one another, share ideas, and work toward solutions. Let us continue that work by reaching out, creating spaces for these conversations, and supporting women farmers as they share their experiences and find strength together.
These conversations begin in small ways, but they can lead to real understanding, stronger communities, and lasting support.
Until next time, Lynn
