Balinese Women in Agriculture: Breaking the Chains of Invisible Labor
This International Women’s Day, let’s shine a light on the unstoppable women who are the heart and soul of Bali’s agriculture—and let’s get real about the injustices they face. These women are not just workers; they’re warriors, holding up nearly half of Bali’s agricultural labor force. Yet, their efforts are treated like an afterthought. Why? Because a patriarchal system, backed by outdated laws and cultural norms, keeps them locked out of land ownership, financial independence, and decision-making power. It’s time to tear down these barriers.
The System Is Rigged Against Them
Land Ownership: A Boys’ Club
In Bali, land inheritance is a man’s game. Sure, Indonesia’s national laws don’t outright ban women from owning land, but local customary laws (adat) make sure the deck is stacked against them. Land gets passed down through male heirs, leaving women dependent on fathers, brothers, or husbands just to access farmland. No land means no collateral for loans, no subsidies, and no security. It’s a vicious cycle designed to keep women economically vulnerable.
Money Talks – But Not To Women
Even when women manage to get their hands on some land, banks slam the door in their faces. Loans and financial aid are funneled to male-headed households because society assumes men are the “real” breadwinners. Without capital, women can’t invest in better farming tools, organic methods, or scaling their operations. This isn’t just unfair—it’s economic sabotage.
Invisible Labor, Invisible Power
The work women do—planting, weeding, processing—may not be flashy, but it’s the backbone of agriculture. Still, these critical tasks are treated as second-class labor. Men handle the high-visibility roles like selling crops and managing finances, which gives them all the recognition and control. Meanwhile, women’s unpaid labor goes unnoticed and unappreciated.
Double Duty, Double Oppression
As if farming weren’t hard enough, women are also expected to shoulder all the domestic responsibilities—cooking, cleaning, raising kids. This “double burden” leaves them with no time or energy to take on leadership roles or pursue entrepreneurial dreams. It’s a system designed to keep them in their place.
Ignored By Policy Makers
Government programs and policies? They’re built for big commercial farms, not the smallholder farms where women dominate. Without gender-focused initiatives, women are left out of training programs and resources that could help them adapt to sustainable farming or fight climate change.
Why Empowering Women Farmers is a Revolution Waiting to Happen
Here’s the truth: empowering women in agriculture doesn’t just help them—it transforms entire communities. When women rise, we all rise.
- Bigger Harvests, Less Hunger: If women had equal access to resources as men, global agricultural output could skyrocket by 20-30%. That’s food on more tables and less poverty worldwide.
- Investing in the Future: Women reinvest their earnings into their families—education, healthcare, nutrition. This builds stronger communities from the ground up.
- Sustainable Farming for a Sustainable Planet: Women-led farms lean into biodiversity and eco-friendly practices like organic farming and permaculture. These aren’t just good for the planet—they’re essential for combating climate change.
- Guardians of Tradition and Biodiversity: Women have been the keepers of indigenous farming knowledge for generations. Their wisdom is key to preserving Bali’s rich agricultural heritage.
- Breaking Poverty Cycles: When women lead cooperatives or businesses, profits are shared more equitably. The result? A faster reduction in rural poverty.
Women Are Already Leading the Charge
Despite all the obstacles thrown at them, Balinese women are fighting back—and they’re winning.
- Cooperatives That Cut Out the Middlemen: Women-led farming groups are growing across Bali. They’re negotiating better prices, earning organic certifications, and sharing sustainable techniques. The result? More profits stay with the farmers instead of lining someone else’s pockets.
- Reviving Traditional Farming Systems: Through initiatives like Subak Abian—a traditional Balinese agricultural system—women are reclaiming their role in sustainable farming. Unlike the male-dominated Subak rice system, Subak Abian opens doors for women in coffee and cacao farming.
- Demanding Fair Trade: Women are at the forefront of the fair trade movement in Bali. They’re pushing for ethical sourcing practices that ensure fair wages and market access for small-scale farmers.
What Needs to Change—Now
This isn’t a time for half-measures or empty promises. If we’re serious about equality in agriculture—and beyond—here’s what needs to happen:
- Land Ownership Reform: Women must have equal rights to inherit and own land. Period. No more excuses.
- Financial Access: Banks and financial institutions need to step up with microloans and credit programs tailored to women farmers.
- Practical Training: Agricultural training programs should be accessible to women—designed around their schedules and responsibilities.
- Market Access: Build platforms that connect women farmers directly to buyers, cutting out exploitative middlemen.
- Cultural Overhaul: Challenge the deep-seated gender norms that keep women stuck in subordinate roles. This starts with community conversations that include both men and women.
The Revolution Starts Here
Balinese women have always been the backbone of agriculture—and it’s time they got the recognition and resources they deserve. This isn’t just about fixing a broken system; it’s about building a new one where women lead with power and purpose.
At Bali Jiwa, we’re standing shoulder-to-shoulder with these incredible women. We’re partnering with them, amplifying their voices, and pushing for systemic change every step of the way.
This International Women’s Day, let’s do more than celebrate their resilience—let’s join their fight for justice. Because when Balinese women farmers win, we all win. The time for change is now. Let’s make it happen.
Women-Led and Women-Empowering Agricultural & Social Initiatives in Bali
1. Subak Abian – Women in Bali’s Traditional Farming Cooperatives
Subak Abian are Balinese farmer groups based on the island’s traditional Subak irrigation system, but focused on dryland farming, agroforestry, and organic agriculture. While historically male-dominated, many Subak Abian now see strong female leadership, particularly in organic farming and sustainable agriculture movements. Women farmers play a growing role in promoting biodiversity, herbal medicine cultivation, and community-based environmental conservation.
2. Rebo Ijo – Women in Regenerative Agriculture
Rebo Ijo is a grassroots initiative focused on reforestation, regenerative agriculture, and sustainable land use in Bali. Women play a crucial role in this movement, leading tree-planting programs, community farming projects, and education efforts on sustainable agroforestry. The initiative helps rural women gain access to resources, training, and economic opportunities through environmental conservation work.
3. Bali WISE by ROLE Foundation – Empowering Marginalized Women Through Vocational Training
Bali WISE (Women of Indonesia Skill Education) is a program that provides free vocational training to disadvantaged women. Many graduates go on to work in sustainable industries, including organic farming and eco-tourism, helping them achieve financial independence and contribute to the local economy.
4. East Bali Poverty Project (EBPP) – Women’s Empowerment in Rural Communities
EBPP is a nonprofit working in remote villages to provide education, healthcare, and sustainable farming support. Women in these communities receive training in organic farming, nutrition, and economic self-sufficiency, playing a key role in local food security and poverty reduction.
5. Yayasan Rama Sesana (YRS) – Women’s Health and Economic Independence
YRS focuses on providing reproductive health education and services to Balinese women, particularly market vendors and low-income workers. By ensuring access to healthcare and education, the initiative supports women’s long-term economic and social well-being.
6. Nusantara Development Initiatives (NDI) – Women as Solar Entrepreneurs
NDI’s “Mothers of Light” program trains rural women to become solar lamp entrepreneurs, tackling both energy poverty and economic inequality. While not strictly agricultural, this initiative supports women-led rural businesses that often intersect with farming communities.
7. PUSPADI Bali – Women with Disabilities in Sustainable Livelihoods
PUSPADI Bali provides rehabilitation, mobility aids, and advocacy for people with disabilities. Many women with disabilities are supported in gaining vocational skills, including sustainable farming and small-scale business development, allowing them to achieve economic independence.
8. Yayasan Kemanusiaan Ibu Pertiwi (YKIP) – Girls’ Education and Poverty Reduction
YKIP provides scholarships to underprivileged children in Bali, with a strong emphasis on supporting girls’ education. Investing in girls’ education has long-term impacts on poverty reduction and economic growth, as educated women are more likely to contribute to sustainable livelihoods and local agricultural initiatives.
9. Inspirasia Foundation – Supporting Women-Led Social Enterprises
Inspirasia Foundation funds and supports grassroots projects in health, education, and poverty reduction. Their grants and mentorship programs help women-led businesses and community initiatives grow, including those in sustainable agriculture and food security.
