WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT IN THE COFFEE PRODUCTION SECTOR IN THE HIGH MOUNTAINS REGION, VERACRUZ, MEXICO

Abstract

Objective: to characterize the profile and level of empowerment of women in coffee production in the Las Altas Montañas region, Veracruz.

Design / methodology: It was evaluated from two scenarios; as a woman owner of the coffee production (MDP) and as the wife of the coffee producer (EFP). The study was carried out in five municipalities considering a “non-probabilistic” sample, 80 questionnaires with a Likert-type scale were applied in Coatepec, Huatusco Sochiapa, Tlaltetela and Zentla.

Results: The ages in both profiles range between 41 and 60 years, the marital status of the MDPs is: 20% single and 23% divorced, for the EFP 80% are married. Schooling for MDPs is higher than for VETs. 78% of MDPs have two or more occupations, while VETs are housewives (68%). At the level of empowerment, the MDPs presented a high level with 65% and a medium empowerment in 35% of them. In the GFS, 45% high and 55% medium were obtained.

Limitations and implications: Survey on the perception of producers (men) regarding the participation of women in the sector and their empowerment.

Conclusion: The level of empowerment is higher in women owners of production, which allows them greater leadership and autonomy in decision-making compared to women who depend economically on the producer, since this dependence defines both the role they exercise with their independence in making decisions.