The Unexpected Matriarchs of South-East Asia
When we think of global leaders in gender equality, our minds often turn to Nordic nations or Western trailblazers. But quietly, confidently, Thailand has been forging its own remarkable path — especially in the rice fields, where the true heartbeat of Thailand begins. This International Women’s Day, gives an opportunity to shine a light on the women who are not only vital to Thailand’s agricultural backbone but also in revolutionising the very way they grow organic rice.
Gender equality in Thailand has long been the norm
Thailand makes steady progress with gender equality. Ranked 8th in Asia by the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2023, and with over 40% of senior business roles held by women, this is a country where leadership by women is nothing new. But beyond the statistics and outside the cities, we see the reality of that leadership—at our suppliers' rice fields.
Across the northern and north-central plains of Thailand our suppliers' dedicated team of farmers, field staff and agronomists work together to manage organic rice cultivation.
While farming is often assumed to be a male-dominated profession, 50% of these farmers are actually women. Within a network of 400–500 farmers, many of these women are not just working the land but leading the way in sustainable, innovative rice farming.
For many, farming is more than just a job—it’s a family tradition. Women especially love the opportunity to work alongside their entire families, passing down skills, knowledge, and a deep connection to the land. Their leadership is shaping the future of organic rice farming, ensuring that both tradition and progress go hand in hand.
A new era in organic agriculture
Anna-Marie, our supplier who guides the local farmers, shares: “The introduction of new technologies—including imaging, drones, innovative inputs, is revolutionising our approach to sustainable organic farming. It’s unlocking possibilities we couldn’t have imagined even five years ago. Many of our farmers reminisce about a time their families worked small plots together with relatives, friends and of course buffalos. Those days are long gone, switched out for 'metal buffalo' [tractors], other mechanization tools and smarter tech. It’s a big shift, there’s a lot of motion, and it’s exciting. The best part is we get to test these ideas ourselves on our demo plots, we can see what really works – and that’s incredibly empowering for us and our community of farmers.”
One of the female organic rice farmers continues: “We notice the weather is getting more extreme and less predictable as the years go by – the hot season is hotter, the monsoons wetter, which means we can lose entire crops which is our main source of survival. However, we all have to eat rice.
Its amazing to be part of the trials and development of future-proofing methods that help us improve our harvests and respond to this changing environment. It gives me hope, particularly now my son has joined the farm, that Khun Anna-Marie has helped us secure a future for organic rice that also protects our land, our heritage, and way of life.”
In light of International Women's Day
Through the vision and guidance of Anna-Marie, women across our suppliers' organisation have the opportunity and space to take an active role—whether in leading farms, managing trials, or innovating new approaches to organic rice cultivation. This International Women's Day we take the opportunity to recognise the women who are an essential part of this work. Through their knowledge, experience, and steady commitment, they continue to strengthen not only the farms but the future of organic rice. They are, in many ways, the unexpected matriarchs of Southeast Asia—quietly leading, adapting, and ensuring that this way of farming can be passed on to the next generation.
At DO IT Organic, we’re proud to work with forward-thinking companies that prioritise fair working opportunities and gender equality. Just like this story from our organic rice supplier. Read more about the principle of Fairness.