Narrative Identities of Women Leaders in Farm Production

Narrative Identities of Women Leaders in Farm Production

by Karen Kristine A. Roscom, PhD in Leadership Studies major in Organizational Development Candidate

Abstract

The Philippine agriculture sector is the second-largest source of employment for women. However, women only occupy 26% of the total agricultural employment. The underrepresentation of women in Philippine agriculture is largely attributed to gender inequalities. Current gender research showed that women empowerment, including its leadership dimension, was not fully taken into account which is highly contextual and culture-specific. The study examined the narrative identities of women leaders in farm production based on their reconstructed past and an imagined future to derive meaning and purpose of their present leadership. Six major narrative constructs surfaced: overcoming hardships, putting family first, engaging in multiple organizations, developing the self, pursuing socio-civic goals, and having faith in God. The aggregate storyline of their leadership chapters was: childhood to early adulthood challenges, family/occupational changes, community recognition and organizational challenges, resolution of organizational challenges, and future plans. Based on their narratives, self- and leader identities were identical and their leadership development was a natural progression. Their leader identities became a natural extension of their self-identities as a daughter, sibling, and mother. It was also shaped by societal expectations of women sacrificing for the families and gender bias and stereotypes of a male-dominated sector in a predominantly patriarchal society.

4pm Friday, April 8, 2022 (Online)

Adviser:
Emerald Jay D Ilac PhD

Panelists:
Edna P Franco PhD
Ma Assunta C Cuyegkeng PhD
Enrico C Osi PhD
Rohdelia M Legasto-Macaspac EdD

Keywords: women leaders, farm production, narrative identity, Philippines