Ginny Franks, of Southern Swiss Dairy, 4th generation dairy farmer with granddaughter Leeann.
March 8th is International Women’s Day, a day of global celebration of social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And for our purposes, the achievements of women in our local food systems! The day is also a call to action to improve gender parity.
As a woman who came into the working world at the age of 18 during the early 90’s (there, I just dated myself), I frequently encountered many of the ways women were placed at a disadvantage in the workplace. My early jobs were in manufacturing and foundry work where it was most definitely a man’s world and by many, I was considered (and treated as) an intruder in that world.
I was grateful then and now for the generations of women who had come before me and fought to make the world a better, safer and more just place for women and girls. I hope that throughout my lifetime, I continue to build on their progress and leave this world a better place for the women of tomorrow.
Goat farmers and chicken keepers extraordinaire, Jennifer Evitts and Swan Rubins of the Hairy Farmpit Girls.
The workplace for women continues to change, hopefully for the better, but there are still professions out there where women are often under-represented, earn less than their male counterparts, and don’t “fit the image” society has created. The food industry, is one of those industries where women still remain under-represented.
But guess what! We have some amazing women right here who are doing great things for our local food systems, despite not meeting the stereotype! Women farmers, chefs, restaurant owners, business owners and community leaders.
I have been so refreshed and inspired by the many wonderful women I have met over this past year on my Southern Soil journey. Women who have encouraged and empowered me to continue along my path. Women who have inspired me and challenged me to greater heights.
Jovan Sage, food alchemist and owner of Sage’s Larder.
Our next issue of Southern Soil (which comes out in April) is all about celebrating women and we will be featuring some of the women who are leading our local food movement. I’m not going to give anything away, but I’m really excited about this issue and the stories I will get to share.
We’re also offering a 50% discount on advertising to any woman-owned (run) business for this issue. If you own your own business, this is a great opportunity to help spread the word! I want to make sure that you have the opportunity to grow your business and I’d be happy to discuss your budget and any way I can work with you! Contact me today at info@southernsoil.org (You don’t have to have a food related business in order to advertise - just be local or have product/services that are local to the 46 counties we cover in Southeast Georgia.)
Karen Smith, native plant guru and owner of Southern Native Plantings at Longwood Plantation.
ALSO over the next few days, I will be sharing some of the previously published articles that feature some pretty amazing women. So, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram so you don’t miss out!