Securing the fruits of their labours: the effect of the crisis on women farm workers in Peru’s Ica valley

Overview

Despite immediate promises of economic recovery by some Latin American governments, women in some regions of the continent are feeling the aftermath of the crisis deeply. This is because of both the interconnectedness of their regions to the export market, and pre-existing economic policies and social factors, including gender inequality that strengthens inequalities. These factors are intensifying the impact of the crisis on women’s lives. This article draws on Womankind Worldwide research into the case of women farm workers in Peru’s Ica valley. It discusses how the economic crisis is increasing women’s unemployment, and worsening women’s poverty. An analysis of the role of a women’s rights organisation in responding to the crisis reveals that solutions to the problems brought by the crisis must go beyond macroeconomic responses.

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