The Critical Role of Women in Cotton Sustainability: Overcoming Challenges for a Sustainable Future

Introduction:

Cotton sustainability is an essential aspect of the agricultural industry, but several challenges need to be addressed for sustainable practices to be achieved. Among these challenges are the lack of measurement regarding sustainability practices, the heavy responsibilities of women in caring for children, elderly individuals, and animals, and the difficulties in engaging more women in the workforce. Without proper knowledge, support, and training, it becomes nearly impossible to achieve sustainability goals. Additionally, the impact of climate change and limited resources adds complexity to the situation. This article  broadly discussion held at CRB  Sustainability standards Tenth workshop in Delhi will delve into these challenges and highlight the vital role of women in cotton sustainability.

I. The Importance of Measurements in Cotton Sustainability:

To effectively track progress and identify areas for improvement, the cotton industry must establish proper measurements regarding sustainability practices. Unfortunately, the lack of measurement in the industry has hindered efforts to achieve sustainability goals. Without clear benchmarks in place, it becomes challenging to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented strategies and make informed decisions for the future.

II. The Critical Role of Women:

A significant number of women are employed in the cotton industry, but their engagement and participation face numerous challenges. The responsibility of caring for children, elderly individuals, and animals adds an extra layer of complexity, making it difficult for women to engage fully in their work. Balancing these responsibilities with employment in the industry becomes a challenge, resulting in fewer women actively participating in cotton sustainability initiatives.

III. Promoting Knowledge and Support:

Providing women with the necessary knowledge, training, and support is crucial to overcoming these challenges. Specialized training programs can equip women with the skills needed to actively participate in sustainable practices. Moreover, providing support systems such as childcare facilities can help alleviate the burden faced by women, enabling them to dedicate more time and energy to their work in the cotton industry.

IV. Climate Change Impacts and Limited Resources:

Climate change has brought uncertainty to the cotton industry, particularly in terms of rainfall patterns. Droughts, reduced rainfall, and altered growing seasons have become prevalent, affecting cotton production. Small-scale women farmers bear the brunt of these impacts as they lack the resources and infrastructure to adapt effectively. Climate change also indirectly affects women's work, leading to informalization and limited opportunities for supplementary work like embroidery.

V. Recognizing and Empowering Female Farmers:

The issue of recognizing women as farmers is a significant hurdle. Women's vital contributions to agriculture are often overlooked, resulting in their exclusion from government schemes and benefits. This lack of recognition prevents women farmers from accessing much-needed support, such as child care or maternity benefits. The burden of responsibility falls heavily on women, forcing them into difficult decision-making positions, such as farming on their own in negative environments.

VI. Addressing Social Issues:

Pressures caused by societal norms, such as male migration to urban areas, contribute to an added burden on women. This "time poverty" limits their ability to engage in supplementary income-generating activities and exacerbates their vulnerability to negative climate change impacts. Furthermore, the issue of farmers' suicides adds another layer of complexity to the challenges faced by women, with responsibility often falling upon them to carry the farming legacy forward.

Conclusion:

Achieving cotton sustainability requires addressing various challenges, particularly regarding the involvement and empowerment of women. Implementing proper measurements, providing knowledge and support, and recognizing the critical role of women in the industry are essential steps towards achieving sustainability goals. By addressing these challenges, the cotton industry can create a more inclusive and sustainable future that benefits all stakeholders involved. It is imperative to provide women with the resources, training, and support necessary to actively participate in the quest for cotton sustainability.

Source: Discussion held in CBR Tenth Sustainability Conference, New Delhi.