By next fall, farm women will know how their concerns are reflected in the agricultural policy framework.
That’s when a report will be completed on a gender analysis of the federal policy that is to provide assistance to farmers over the long term.
The research, funded by a $90,000 grant from the federal status of women department, is being done by three researchers hired by the National Farmers Union.
NFU women’s president Karen Pedersen said the study has already begun with a focus group of 25 farm women who met in early November in Manitou Beach, Sask. While she could not reveal any issues discussed because of a clause in the grant giving the department first rights to the information, she said it was a positive meeting.
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“One neat thing was we had a federal government official and he actually got to listen to what the women were saying. It was not all one-way communication.”
Pedersen said workshops are planned this winter in Alberta, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island and Guelph, Ont. While the workshops are designed for 25 women in each session, Pedersen said if more women want to attend, the group will accommodate.
Women other than NFU members who want to be part of the process can contact the organization at 306-652-9465.
Pedersen noted that part of the grant has already recognized the cost of public participation. All women in the workshops will receive an honorarium and be reimbursed for their travel costs.
