Study reveals key factors and challenges for female employment in the agro-industry in O'Higgins

A study by the UOH Labor Observatory in San Vicente de Tagua Tagua confirms the stability of female employment in the Chilean agro-industrial sector, but warns that family care responsibilities constitute a “double dimension” that restricts women's career advancement. The commune of San Vicente de Tagua Tagua was the setting for a study by the Labor Observatory of the University of O'Higgins (UOH) that sought to analyze the integration of women into the local agro-industry. This sector has established itself as an important generator of formal and stable employment compared to the temporary nature of traditional agricultural employment, offering female workers better incomes and fewer requirements in terms of training or previous experience. However, the report details that this progress in the formality of female employment is mainly concentrated in operational line positions, which are characterized by rotating shift schedules and working conditions considered demanding. The main finding of the study focuses on what is called the “double dimension” faced by female workers. María Cristina Hernández, qualitative analyst at the Labor Observatory, explained that family care responsibilities act as a dual factor in women's decisions. In this regard, Hernández pointed out: “Paradoxically, family care responsibilities are both the driving force that motivates women to seek stability in this sector and the main limitation that delays their career paths and hinders mobility or promotion.” Despite this, the research also identified variables that do favor women's progression in Chilean agribusiness, such as continuous training, support received in family care, flexible hours, and the possibility of job relocation. The results of the analysis translate into a series of concrete proposals aimed at public policy to strengthen female employment in Chilean agribusiness in the region. Among the key contributions, it is suggested that decent employment in the productive sector be formalized and promoted. In addition, the study emphasizes the need to implement training programs that demonstrate territorial relevance and allow for the construction of flexible career paths. One of the areas highlighted for intervention is social co-responsibility for care. To address this issue with effective measures, the report proposes expanding childcare coverage and extending school hours. Finally, the report highlights the importance of developing preventive occupational health programs specifically for women. This is considered essential to mitigate the physical strain associated with shifts, exposure to low temperatures, and repetitive movements, with the aim of promoting sustainable career paths for women in Chilean agribusiness. The commune of San Vicente de Tagua Tagua was the setting for a study by the Labor Observatory of the University of O'Higgins (UOH) that sought to analyze the integration of women into local agribusiness. This sector has established itself as an important generator of formal and stable employment compared to the temporary nature of traditional agricultural employment, offering female workers better incomes and fewer requirements in terms of training or previous experience. However, the report details that this progress in the formality of female employment is mainly concentrated in operational line positions, which are characterized by rotating shift schedules and working conditions considered demanding. See more The main finding of the study focuses on what is called the “double dimension” faced by female workers. María Cristina Hernández, qualitative analyst at the Labor Observatory, explained that family care responsibilities act as a dual factor in women's decisions. In this regard, Hernández pointed out: “Paradoxically, family care responsibilities are both the driving force that prompts women to seek stability in this sector and the main limitation that delays their career paths and hinders mobility or promotion.” Despite this, the research also identified variables that do favor women's progression in Chilean agribusiness, such as continuous training, support received in family care, flexible hours, and the possibility of job relocation. See more The results of the analysis translate into a series of concrete proposals aimed at public policy to strengthen female employment in Chilean agribusiness in the region. Among the key contributions, it is suggested that decent employment in the productive sector be formalized and promoted. In addition, the study emphasizes the need to implement training programs that demonstrate territorial relevance and allow for the construction of flexible career paths. One of the areas highlighted for intervention is social co-responsibility for care. To address this issue effectively, the report proposes expanding childcare coverage and extending school hours. Finally, the report highlights the importance of developing preventive occupational health programs specifically for women. This is considered essential to mitigate the physical strain associated with shift work, exposure to low temperatures, and repetitive movements, with a view to promoting sustainable career paths for women in Chilean agribusiness.