Egypt’s female farm workers face dire working conditions

Last year, Egypt set a new record for fruit and vegetable exports: nearly 7 million tonnes, valued at €6 billion, with 20 percent destined for Europe. According to the World Bank, agriculture is the sector that employs the highest proportion of women in the country: around 45 percent nationwide, and as high as 94 percent in Upper Egypt. But in the fields, the working conditions of the 5 million female farm workers are dire: no contracts, half the wages of men and scorching temperatures. Grassroots organisations are now stepping in, campaigning to formalise women’s labour, demand fair pay, ensure workplace safety and fight for recognition. FRANCE 24’s Mathilde Delvigne and Nuria Tesón report.