Women farmers work 70 hours a week
Swiss women who work in farming devote an average of 70 hours per week to their job and most are rewarded with a week or less of holiday per year.
A survey of 880 Swiss female farmers said most were pessimistic about the future of the agricultural sector in Switzerland.
The study by GfS, one of the leading social research organisations in Switzerland, found that 75 per cent of participants had a week or less holiday per year – due mainly to a shortage of time and money.
The women surveyed, most of whom are married, believe they do not have enough free time to build up friendships or develop hobbies. But they do feel that they have enough spare time for their families.
About half of the women are optimistic about their personal future and feel happy in their role as housewife and mother.
Most of the study participants did not initially study agriculture, but a considerable number have attended a school for female farmers.
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