Gender inclusive communications guide launched for agri sector
A new guide, produced as part of the Women in Agriculture Action Plan, is seeking to promote the use of more inclusive language and imagery in agricultural communications.
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon today (Sunday, August 9) opened the Tullamore Show, at Butterfield Estate, Blueball, Co. Offaly.
This year's show, which is marking its 35th anniversary, has a special focus on generational renewal and farm succession.
The Gender Inclusive Communications Guide has been launched by Minister Heydon to coincide with the United Nationa (UN) International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
The document has been designed to assist stakeholders in the agriculture sector to be more gender balanced and inclusive in their communications.
Guide
The Central Statistics Office (CSO) 2023 Farm Structure Survey showed that women account for just over 13% of the 133,174 farm holders in Ireland, along with 34% of the 299,725 total farm workers.
Minister Heydon said the under-representation of women poses a challenge to achieving gender equality in the sector.
"Women are central to the continued success of Irish agriculture, and their contribution deserves to be recognised and placed on an equal footing with that of male farmers.
"Gender balanced communications ensure that modern Irish farming is represented accurately, inclusively and fairly.
"By writing about and depicting images of men and women farmers, foresters and fishers, we can help break down stereotypes, encourage greater participation and support a stronger, more representative future for Irish farming.
"I encourage all stakeholders to embrace more gender-balanced and inclusive communications and imagery to reflect those working in Irish agriculture and to create a more inclusive sector for all," he said.
Women
Ireland's ambassador for the International Year of the Woman Farmer, Carina Roseingrave, is among the participants at the Speakers Corner in the Sustainable Livestock Village today at the Tullamore Show.
She will part of the panel discussion entitled “Celebrating The Role of Women in Agriculture”.
Minister Heydon added: "Events such as today’s provide an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge and recognising the expertise that exists across our farming communities.
"It is particularly encouraging to see women taking leading roles in these conversations and helping to shape the future direction of Irish agriculture".
