Rural women in South Africa continue to bear the brunt of triple oppression due to their race, class, and gender; hence, it is not a coincidence that in their majority they have not managed to achieve economic freedom. Image: Supplied

This past week, the world, including South Africa, commemorated International Women’s Day. As we reflect on this significant occasion, we must renew our commitment to the empowerment of women in our country, particularly those in rural communities.

In South Africa, rural women continue to face the triple burden of oppression—race, class, and gender. As a result, many remain economically disenfranchised. This plight mirrors the experiences of many women across the Global South, particularly in countries like India. However, efforts by the Indian government to drive change through initiatives such as the “Drone Didi Initiative” provide a valuable model for South Africa.

Launched in 2019, the Drone Didi program equips rural women in India with agricultural drones and the necessary skills to utilize them. This initiative aims to create income opportunities, address food security challenges, alleviate poverty, and foster gender equity. Initially, 500 women were trained, and 200 drones were deployed. Today, over 5,000 women are part of the program, with 1,500 drones in operation.

In South Africa, rural women form the backbone of agricultural production yet remain under-represented. A similar program could empower these women, enabling them to enhance their lives, support their families, and contribute to their communities and the nation.

Globally, organizations such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the United Nations Food Program (UNFP) emphasize the role of technology and innovation in transforming lives. Drones, in particular, enable precision agriculture by improving crop health and yields. In India, the Drone Didi program has boosted crop yields by 25% while reducing pesticide use by 30%.

For South Africa, where smallholder farmers still face significant challenges, adopting drone technology could be revolutionary. Provinces like KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, with difficult terrain and limited accessibility, could greatly benefit. Drones could streamline crop management and monitoring, facilitate the transportation of harvests, and reduce logistical costs.

The Indian example also highlights the economic benefits of such initiatives. Women in the Drone Didi program report a 50% increase in household incomes. According to a McKinsey Global Institute report, India could become the second-largest economy by 2050 if it continues to encourage women’s participation in the economy. Similarly, South Africa can unlock immense potential by empowering rural women through agricultural innovation.

As members of BRICS, India and South Africa could collaborate on scaling initiatives like Drone Didi. Local institutions, including the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Innovation Hub, and Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), could play pivotal roles in adapting this model to South Africa’s unique context.

Beyond economic benefits, this initiative could challenge societal norms, promote gender equality, and uplift entire households. For pregnant women and new mothers, drones could reduce physical labor, allowing them to maintain their livelihoods while prioritizing their health.

For South Africa, this represents an opportunity to modernize agriculture, empower rural women, and drive social and economic transformation. By embracing such initiatives and leveraging local expertise, South Africa can create a brighter future for its rural communities.