It is actually not fair to only celebrate the role of women during Women’s Month in August. But, since we do sing the praises of women during August, TLU SA decided also to honour women.
Proverbs 31:10 in the Bible (King James Version) sings the virtues of a woman: “Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.”
TLU SA wants to acknowledge the women in the agricultural industry who contribute in various roles. The most important goal of agriculture in South Africa is to produce food for everyone. This helps to establish stability. If there is not enough food for everyone, it will create uncontrollable chaos.
Throughout the world, there is a big problem in delivering enough healthy food to all consumers. A balanced diet is an important foundation for sufficient physical and intellectual development. Across cultural boundaries, it is mostly mothers who prepare food and ensure that the necessary balance is maintained in their family’s diet.
The anchor in a family is generally a woman, passing on values to the next generations and serving as the glue that keeps families together.
The key role players in the agricultural value chain are primary producers and the consumers who purchase agricultural products. In both instances, women play a significant role, whether in directing the production process as farmers themselves, supporting their husbands in various capacities on the farm, or ensuring that the demand for food in the market is met.
Besides women on farms, there are skilled women in various positions within the agricultural value chain. Women in many professions and institutions also play significant supporting roles that contribute to a successful agricultural environment. From researchers and veterinarians to women in administrative positions, such as secretaries and financial officers, as well as representatives and agricultural journalists – they are all important.
We have asked a few women in agriculture to tell us what being a woman means to them.
“To me, being a woman means being gentle, loving, caring; being there for family and friends – but not allowing anyone to walk all over me. To be what I want to be, not what others expect of me.” – Lynette du Plessis, TLU SA regional manager
“My femininity has given me great power over the years by teaching me to fight for the things I want, to walk away when I’m not appreciated, and to have compassion for others. I am grateful for all the women and men, especially my husband, who paved the way for me to ‘love who I am’ and be a good wife, mother, and journalist. I realise that the things I have achieved would not have been possible a few generations ago.” – Glenneis Kriel, senior journalist, Farmer’s Weekly
“Women in agriculture stand with one foot in the present, being providers and carers, and with the other foot in the future, where they – for the sake of their children and their children’s children – focus on the sustainability of the planet and its resources.” – Hanlie du Plessis, journalist, AgriConnect
“To me, being a woman means that I can do the same things that everyone around me can do, but with a touch of gentleness, by serving the people around me, by being the glue that binds everyone together, but also by using my intuition to perceive things and place a different perspective on life.” – Suzanne Paxton, RSG producer and presenter of programs on current affairs
“To me, being a woman means making your voice heard, asserting your opinion and seizing opportunities that come your way with both hands, and making a success of them. We are strong, powerful and unique. I believe that women play a huge role in the world and society today. Women are the glue of society. Taste life, don’t just swallow it in a hurry, live attentively and be sure you make an impact and a difference wherever you go.” – Bianca Henning, Managing Editor of ProAgri
“For me, being a woman is the unlocking of potential with the support of sisters, mothers, friends, colleagues, aunts, and grandmothers who, in so many invisible ways, strengthen each other’s hearts and hands every day. They make each other believe that anything is possible. Being a woman is a privilege for me; not an obligation or a requirement. And I embrace that womanhood – along with every other woman – with joy.” – Christel Cornelissen, Senior Journalist, Maroela Media.
“Being a woman is important for various reasons, and it is also crucial to acknowledge the unique contributions and experiences that women bring to society. Some aspects that highlight the importance of being a woman are:
Empowerment
Diversity
Leadership and decision-making
Health and well-being
Role models
Social and Emotional Intelligence
Self-expression and creativity
We can work towards a more just and inclusive world for everyone by appreciating and accepting the importance of being a woman.” – Wilma Prinsloo, TLU SA North.
Today, we can pay tribute to the women of society for the role they play in the production and distribution of food, but also for the role they play as educators of the next generations.
Of course, men constantly speculate and joke about the psyche and decision-making ability of women. To understand women, it is claimed, is beyond the framework of men’s thinking, but at the same time, it is recognised that men cannot function without women. Frankie Bragg aptly captured it in a poem:
A woman’s worth
Is to be treasured as gold.
To be praised and adored
Calculated far too priceless, to ever be sold.
Polished and kept up
will attract attention wherever she may go.
Yet valued just the same, letting people know.
Her value is beyond what deep pockets can reach.
No scale of any kind can measure out or teach.
That a woman’s worth
is to be held up in high-esteem.
Making spectators wonder
and haters dream
of carrying such a priceless fame.
A TRUE woman’s worth
is made up of every letter
that is attached to her GOD-GIVEN NAME.
TLU SA honours our women for the role they fulfil. You are not appreciated nearly enough.
