International Journal of Gender & Women's Studies

Role of Women Farmers in Improving Family Living Standard
Angeline M. Pogoy, Imelda C. Montalbo, Zosima A. Pañares, Brian A. Vasquez

Abstract
This phenomenological study described and examined the lived experiences of 20 purposively selected women farmers in Lusaran, Cebu City, Philippines where farming is a major livelihood in the place. The naturalistic paradigm was used in the study with varied tools to cross-check their responses and information and reflections which were interpreted and deduced into different themes from their narrative accounts. Results revealed that women farmers were doing more farm work than their husbands were. They engaged in small scale business and animal rising to augment their income to raise their living standards, send their children to school and to buy things for themselves. They were proud of their occupation. The multifunction roles of the women farmers made them stronger even in making decisions on family matters. They realized that they are capable of hard work, difficult tasks, and managing their resources for their family. The quality of a women farmers’ life is full of hardships, varied roles, and economically challenged journey towards their goals in life. Yet the women farmers faced these challenges with pride, satisfaction, contentment, enjoyment and most of all hope in fulfilling their dreams because this life is God given.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijgws.v4n1a6