The rural world has always seen as a man’s world, the world of farmers and engineers; but the fact is that women are engaged in agricultural activity in Spain represent a collective of six million people, ie 48.9% of the population in rural areas and a third of the female Spanish society.
Speaking of engineers, we have to say that the gap between engineers and engineers for some time is not as great. Indeed, we could say that is exceeded. This evolution is also reflected in the registrations of agricultural engineering schools. In the School of Agricultural Engineers of the Polytechnic University of Madrid, during 2015-2016, they have enrolled a total of 1,279 students in degree, of which 683, 53% are women.
“Years ago they were surprised when they saw you coming, now see it as something normal.” Araceli Santiago is Engineer Agronomist, expert appraiser, collaborator Agroseguro as free professional. For years he has devoted to the valuation of holdings, a job that has kept him very close to the rural world. “In recent years there has been an evolution, slow, but has noticed,” he says. Professionally she has never felt discriminated against and describes his work as very rewarding to be in touch with the rural world and its people.
Monica Sobrino, Agricultural Engineering, Agricultural entrepreneur, responsible for the management of agricultural and livestock, also recalls that initially farmers showed little cautious, but after years of work, to prove themselves and their skills, has earned the confidence of all. “It’s not about discrimination, rather it is a matter of perception, thinking”. For this agricultural engineer by vocation, reconciling work and family life it is sometimes tricky, travel, hours to be devoted, etc.
Undoubtedly, this evolution that began years ago must continue, so that the work of women in rural areas and other activities linked to it to be recognized, ensuring gender equality and eliminating discrimination that may exist. Therefore, the Association of Agronomists of Centre and the Canary Islands, which also was the first of all the schools of agronomists who had a Dean, joins the celebration of this day.
Source: Association of Agronomists of Centre and the Canary Islands
