“I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves.” One wonders what Mary Shelley, the nineteenth century English novelist who made this statement, would say (in principle) about global developments like the outcome of the Roe v. Wade case that has received extensive coverage around the world, and a myriad others that have women’s rights dangling in the balance.
Be that as it may, two centuries later, Shelley’s words still resonate deeply – and may arguably be even more poignant today. Volgens www.gov.za, die amptelike Suid-Afrikaanse regeringswebwerf, staan die bevolking van SA tans op 59,62 miljoen (waarvan 51,1% vroue is). En SA het ses ekonomiese sleutelsektore: landbou, mynbou, vervoer, energie, vervaardiging en toerisme. Hiervan staan landbou uit as die sektor wat waarskynlik die meeste afhanklik is van skepping en om te koester (toevallig twee aangebore vermoëns van vroue). Nogal noemenswaardig, gegewe dat die sektor ook vereis dat produsente (en alle relevante rolspelers) eerder saam met die natuur werk, as daarteen. Dis mos hoe landbou floreer.
The local fruit industry – much like the broader international fresh produce trade – is navigating signifi cant challenges like rising input costs, prevailing operational setbacks at the ports, and the economic impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Therefore, harnessing the full complement of it’s human capital – men and women – effectively is crucial for the sustainability of the industry. The focused integration of women and a steady increase in female leaders are noticeable – a sure sign that the fruit industry is driven by gender unity, rather than disparity. This can only bode well for the future, and how the industry is perceived in the international landscape.
Aptly, this edition is brimming with engaging content featuring women who are determined to remain at the top of their game, “pulling others up” as they go (see pages 12, 14, 18, 26 and 32).
On the technical front, this edition offers substantial coverage of viruses [featuring Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests], and it also includes articles on berry colour in Crimson Seedless grapes, sustainable fertilisation, Extension Briefs for August and September, and ethylene management.
In die vooruitdenkende vrugtebedryf gaan Vrouemaand oor soveel meer as om net vir vroue op 9 Augustus geluk te sê. Die geldigheid van hul bydrae is voor die hand liggend. En om by die Mary Shelley-aanhaling aan te sluit: vroue, hou aan groei in die verkryging van mag oor julself – hoe daai prentjie ook al vir jou lyk.
Geniet Vrouemaand.