Across Southeast Asia, women farmers are transforming their communities through resilience, innovation, and leadership. As part of Grow Asia’s GrowHer program on women’s economic empowerment, initiatives like AGREE and GrowHer: Kakao are amplifying the business case of investing women’s empowerment in agriculture.
These programs are paving the way for inclusive projects and policies, climate-smart solutions, and increased investment in women-led farming businesses. From the cacao farms of South Sulawesi, Indonesia to the corn fields of the Philippines, these women are reshaping the agricultural landscape and breaking barriers that have long held them back.
Nanay Fran: A Pillar of Strength in the Philippines
In the heart of the Philippines, Nanay Fran, a 62-year-old farmer, has become a beacon of hope in her community. For years, she single-handedly managed a small rice farm, enduring typhoons, droughts, and financial setbacks. But through AGREE’s training on climate-resilient farming, she learned sustainable techniques to protect her crops from erratic weather.
“When I was younger, I never questioned why farming was so difficult for women. It was just the way things were,” Nanay Fran recalls. “But now, I know we deserve access to the same resources and opportunities as men.”
With the support of the program, she has embraced organic fertilizers and diversified her crops. The result? Higher yields and a more stable income for her family. Beyond her own farm, Nanay Fran now mentors other women, encouraging them to take charge of their agricultural businesses and advocate for their rights.
Hamriani: From subsistence to productivity
In the cacao-growing region of South Luwu, Indonesia, Hamriani and her peers have redefined financial independence. Through the GrowHer: Kakao initiative, she became part of a Village Saving and Loan Association (VSLA), a community-led savings group that provides a secure way for women to save, take out interest-free loans, and learn financial literacy.
“In the past, I would spend money as soon as I had it,” Hamriani admits with a smile. “But now, I’ve learned how to plan and save. It’s a game-changer.”
With the collective funds, Hamriani and her group have gone beyond saving—they’ve launched a cocoa seedling business, selling young plants to local farmers. The profits are reinvested into their farms and families, proving that when women are given the tools to succeed, entire communities benefit.
Irda: From Observer to Regenerative Cocoa Farming Champion
For decades, farming in East Luwu was seen as a man’s domain. Women were expected to manage the household while their husbands tended to the land. That was until Irda joined a VSLA group through GrowHer: Kakao. Initially, she saw herself as just a supporter of her husband’s work. But after receiving training in eco-friendly and child-safe farming practices, she stepped onto the field with confidence.
“I never imagined I’d enjoy farming,” Irda says, her hands dusted with soil as she tends to a thriving vegetable garden. “But now, I feel just as capable as any man.”
Alongside other women, Irda has cultivated an organic vegetable farm that feeds their families and provides additional income. She now helps her husband prune cocoa trees, mix compost, and make key decisions about their farm’s future. Their partnership has not only improved their household income but strengthened their relationship.
FR and HR: Redefining Household Roles, Prospering Families
In South Sulawesi, another transformation is taking place—not just in the fields, but within homes. FR and her husband HR have been married for 20 years, but only recently have they begun to share household responsibilities equitably. Thanks to the Gender Action Learning System (GALS) introduced by GrowHer: Kakao, the couple attended training sessions that challenged deep-seated gender norms.
“At first, the idea of helping in the kitchen felt unnatural to me,” HR admits. “But then I realized—it’s not about losing my role as a man. It’s about supporting my family.”
Small steps led to big changes. HR now helps with cooking, cleaning, and childcare. Finances, once solely his responsibility, are now discussed and planned together with FR. Their communication has improved, their home is happier, and their children are thriving.
The Future of Women Farmers
These stories are just a glimpse into the growing movement of women farmers leading change across Southeast Asia. Through the AGREE Project and GrowHer: Kakao, women like Nanay Fran, Hamriani, Irda, and FR are proving that equality and women’s empowerment in agriculture isn’t just a dream—it’s a reality in the making. Their resilience, determination, and willingness to challenge societal norms are paving the way for future generations.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day this year, we honor these women who, despite the odds, are building stronger, more sustainable communities. When women farmers are empowered, the entire world reaps the benefits, and their meaningful empowerment is the cornerstone of sustainable agriculture and lasting climate resilience.