The modern Polish female farmer is an educated, socially and politically active woman who is proud of her role in the agricultural sector. Research conducted by the Institute of Rural and Agricultural Development of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IRWiR PAN) in cooperation with the European Foundation for Supporting the Development of Women in the Countryside “Agro Woman” in the fall of 2024, provides a detailed picture of Polish female farmers, based on the analysis of 600 questionnaires. 

Social and political involvement 

The vast majority of respondents are women involved in social and political life. Nearly 28% have participated in agricultural protests, indicating their willingness to engage in public affairs. In addition, 14% belong to at least one foundation, and one in three is a member of a rural women club. However, only 7% of respondents are members of agricultural organizations, indicating a certain gap in women’s representation in these structures. 

The largest group (36%) is made up of women who combine farm work with non-farm activities, described as bi-vocational. 30% of respondents work exclusively on the farm, and almost one in three combine housewife duties with assisting on a farm. The main motives for bi-professionalism are the need for an additional source of income (50% of respondents) and the compatibility of off-farm work with their education (26% of respondents). 

Gender equality and social perceptions 

More than half of female farmers (58%) say they feel they are treated equally to men at work. Those who do feel unequal treatment point to marginalization by business environment institutions – both state and European. Polish society still holds the belief in a gendered division of occupations, which affects the perception of women working in agriculture. Often, they are not treated as “real” farmers, but rather as farmers’ wives, which may be due to entrenched social and family norms. 

An interesting aspect is that 16% of women identify themselves as farm managers. Moreover, contrary to popular opinion, the path to a farm ownership for a Polish female farmer does not lead exclusively through marriage. The analysis showed that half of them bring their land or even their entire farm into marriage, which testifies to their independence and active role in managing agricultural assets. 

The research by the IRWiR PAN and Agro Woman Foundation portrays the modern Polish female farmer as an educated, socially and politically engaged person who plays a key role in farm management. Despite existing challenges and stereotypes, these women demonstrate determination and professionalism, contributing to the development of Polish agriculture. 

Sources: naukawpolsce.pl, agrowoman.pl