As International Women’s Day approaches on March 8, the global demand for equal rights and justice for women and girls is underscored. In India, women contribute significantly to agri-food systems, yet they face substantial barriers, particularly in legal recognition and land ownership.

Changing Dynamics

Historically, most agricultural land in India has been registered in men’s names due to patrilineal inheritance and prevailing social norms. This situation has left women farmers largely invisible, managing farming operations without formal recognition. The year 2026 is recognized as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, aiming to address these disparities.

Impact on Women Farmers

The lack of land ownership severely restricts women’s access to essential resources such as credit, insurance, and agricultural services. As a result, many women farmers struggle with time poverty, balancing productive work with reproductive responsibilities. This dual burden can lead to adverse health outcomes, including maternal undernutrition and anemia, which contribute to low birth weight and impaired child development.

Expert Perspectives

Experts highlight that the feminization of agriculture is a growing trend, driven by male migration from rural areas. This shift increases the responsibility of women in farming, yet they remain unsupported by legal frameworks that would provide them with the recognition they deserve. “Women farmers remain invisible because land ownership, legal recognition, and agricultural records are usually registered in men’s names,” an expert noted.

Digital Safety Concerns

In addition to agricultural challenges, women face significant risks in digital spaces. Reports indicate that 58% of women have experienced online abuse, with only 22% of AI professionals being women. This lack of representation limits perspectives in technological design, raising ethical concerns about women’s safety online.

Moving Forward

To protect women in digital spaces, experts advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes ethical AI design, greater female participation in technology, robust legal frameworks, and widespread digital education. The intersection of women’s rights in agriculture and digital safety remains a critical area for advocacy as International Women’s Day approaches.

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