Join us as we delve into the world of female farmers! We sit down with Audra Mulkern, founder of the Female Farmer Project, an initiative chronicling the rise of women in agriculture. Mulkern reflects on her journey from an intrigued observer to a passionate advocate and storyteller, revealing the surprisingly gendered landscape of farming.
Mulkern candidly shares the beginnings of her project: born from the shock realization that despite women farmers being central to her local agricultural community, they were virtually invisible in the wider narrative of farming. She shares how her journey took her from an observer at her local farmers' market to a dedicated researcher and eventually, a visual chronicler of these unsung heroes.
We delve into the empowering journey that led to Mulkern becoming a self-taught photographer, writer, and public speaker, all in the service of her cause. She discusses her experience of uncovering and amplifying the voices of women in agriculture, and the impact this work had on her own sense of empowerment and responsibility.
Mulkern shares her thoughts on the issue of gender invisibility in farming, not just in her local community, but on a global scale, as well as the importance of rewriting women back into the history and present of agriculture.
She provides insight into the legislative progress made so far and touches upon the significant role women farmers played during the pandemic, emphasizing the need for continued support and representation in agricultural policies.
This episode shines a light on the critical role of women in agriculture, their importance in securing our food systems, and the ongoing struggle for recognition. Audra Mulkern's story serves as an inspiring example of advocacy and the power of one individual to catalyze change.
Tune in for an illuminating exploration of agriculture's fastest-growing demographic, their contributions, and their journey towards gaining the recognition they deserve.
Discover more about Women in Agriculture here.
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Svetla Garbeshkova -
Audra Mulkern -
Rekha Mehra -
Lucia Salmaso
- Audra Mulkern founded the Female Farmer Project after witnessing the underrecognition of women farmers at farmers' markets
- With no prior experience, Audra embraced the task of documenting the stories and visuals of women farmers, developing proficiency in photography, writing, and public speaking to advocate for their recognition.
- The Female Farmer Project has achieved global acclaim and has been showcased at renowned locations, including the FAO building in Rome, the United Nations in New York, and the USDA in Washington, DC.
In this series
CEO, AGRO TV BULGARIA
Svetla Garbeshkova is a Bulgarian journalist and CEO of AGRO TV Bulgaria – a national TV including various shows and headlines focused on agriculture, rural areas and the processing industry. On AGRO TV Bulgaria, priority is given to news feeds, which offer up-to-date information from the agro sector in Bulgaria and abroad. Svetla is also a jury member of Tractor of the Year – an international award for the best tractor in the European market.
FOUNDER, THE FEMALE FARMER PROJECT
Audra Mulkern is a writer, photographer and international speaker. She is the founder of «The Female Farmer Project» - a multi-platform documentary project that chronicles the rise of women working in agriculture around the world. The Female Farmer ProjectTM has garnered international recognition, and has been in exhibition at the United Nations in New York, La Maison Rouge Gallery in Paris, TEDxManhattan 2015 and is in permanent exhibition at the USDA in Washington DC.
GENDER SPECIALIST & ECONOMIST
Rekha Mehra is a Gender Specialist and Economist. She is an Indipendent Consultant for various companies with a focus on Gender Equality and Agriculture. She is leader and technical expert in the following areas: gender equality, gender and development, economic and social empowerment of women and girls. Rekha has more than 25 years experience in research programs, advocacy and training related to gender, economic development and agriculture. During her work experience, she has worked in more than 25 countries in all developing regions.
Lucia Salmaso is the Managing Director of BKT Europe. Lucia has been in the tire industry for almost 40 years.
She is a firm believer that an open-minded approach is the key to success. Always looking for new tasks and challenges, not only is she a multinational business manager but she also represents a role model for all the women that are at the beginning of their career.
Lucia advocates for diversity, innovation, and global growth, as well as values family reflected by BKT's culture.
