Women’s Participation in Agriculture: Testimony of Claudia Barros Alves

Testemunho de Claudia Barros Alves

Following the celebrations of International Women’s Day, marked yesterday, and within the framework of the isUP-AgrO project, which aims to promote and highlight the role of women in agriculture, another inspiring testimony was collected. This time, we spoke with Claudia Barros Alves, whose experience and vision contribute significantly to the reflection on food systems and women’s participation in this sector. Dia Internacional da Mulher, assinalado ontem, e no âmbito do projeto isUP-AgrO, que visa promover e valorizar o papel das mulheres na agricultura, foi recolhido mais um testemunho inspirador. Desta vez, estivemos à conversa com Claudia Barros Alves, cuja experiência e visão contribuem de forma relevante para a reflexão sobre os sistemas alimentares e a participação feminina neste setor.

Claudia Alves, 44, holds a degree in Architecture and has around 15 years of professional experience in projects covering the stages of preliminary studies, licensing, execution, and construction supervision. Over the past five years, she has collaborated with the Municipality of Funchal, providing specialized technical advisory services within the scope of the Food Trails project and the Funchal Food Strategy – SEMEAR. She recently completed a postgraduate degree in Sustainable Agri-Food Systems and Short Supply Chain Marketing at the Escola Superior Agrária of the Polytechnic Institute of Viana do Castelo.

Although she is not directly involved in agricultural production, Claudia acknowledges that women play a fundamental role in transforming food systems throughout the entire value chain — from production and processing to consumption, research, and public policy design. In her view, this contribution remains essential yet but still undervalued and insufficiently visible.

To attract more women to agriculture, Claudia emphasizes the importance of greater support for the sector, particularly through funding, training, improved access to modern technologies, and the promotion of more sustainable and efficient practices. She also highlights the need for greater pay equality, considering these factors crucial to making the sector more attractive, especially for young women interested in innovation and social impact.

The isUP-AgrO project has been gathering real testimonies from women who, through their professional paths, knowledge, and vision, contribute to enhancing the value of agriculture and sustainable food systems. Sharing these experiences is an essential step toward strengthening the role of women in the agricultural sector and promoting equal opportunities.

Watch Claudia Alves’ full testimony and learn more about her perspective on the role of women in agriculture and food systems.

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