1. Limited Education and Opportunities:
* Women in that era were not typically educated beyond basic skills like reading and writing. Eliza, though intelligent, was denied access to formal education that could have equipped her with the knowledge and expertise needed for managing a complex plantation.
* Social norms severely limited women's roles in society, making it uncommon for them to hold positions of authority, especially in the male-dominated field of agriculture.
2. Lack of Legal and Financial Independence:
* Women were legally considered the property of their husbands or fathers, and their ability to own property or make independent financial decisions was highly restricted.
* Even though she was running the plantation, Eliza lacked full legal control over it. This hampered her ability to make crucial business decisions and invest in improvements.
3. Social Stigma and Prejudice:
* Eliza faced societal disapproval for stepping outside traditional female roles and assuming a position typically held by men.
* Some people questioned her competence and saw her success as a threat to the established social order.
4. Limitations in Networking and Influence:
* Being a woman in a male-dominated world meant she had limited access to the networks and connections that could have benefited her business.
* It was harder for her to build relationships with key figures in the agricultural industry, making it more challenging to obtain information, secure funding, and gain support for her endeavors.
5. Balancing Family and Work:
* Despite her dedication to the plantation, Eliza had to juggle her responsibilities with the traditional expectations of a wife and mother.
* This placed immense pressure on her and demanded a level of resilience and multitasking uncommon for women of her time.
Despite these obstacles, Eliza's intellect, resilience, and sheer determination enabled her to overcome societal barriers and achieve remarkable success in the challenging world of colonial agriculture. Her story serves as an inspiration for women striving to overcome gender limitations and break new ground.