Women play a vital role in agricultural around the globe – and yet the industry is still ridden with stereotypes and barriers for women. For one, women have far less access to resources and opportunities in the sector. According to the FAO, if this gender gap was closed, women could increase yields on their farms by 20 to 30 percent — with the potential to reduce world hunger by 12 to 17 percent.

Bouchra is a young Lebanese graduate in agricultural engineering, and a dairy farm manager. Like in most countries around the world, the agriculture sector is male-dominated, and Bouchra was first met with skepticism when she decided to pursue her studies in agricultural engineering. Pushing back against the stereotypes, she now manages a dairy farm in Taanayel – Beqaa Valley, Lebanon. With support from the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Food Safety and Quality volunteers, Bouchra was able to improve her feed to help reduce calf mortality on her farm and increase cost savings, against the backdrop of rocketing prices of feed and farm supplies.

During Women’s History Month, Bouchra advises more women to join the sector and to push back against harmful gender stereotypes that can inhibit one of the world’s most critical industries from making progress. The productivity improvements seen on her farm is a reminder of how economic growth hinges on gender inclusion efforts.