The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the United Nations World Food Programme jointly marked International Women’s Day with a global event focused on strengthening women farmers’ access to justice, rights, and economic opportunities. The event emphasized the importance of recognizing the role of women in agrifood systems and called for stronger efforts to address discrimination and inequality that continue to limit their participation and advancement.
International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March, highlights the achievements of women while encouraging action to advance gender equality. The 2026 observance follows the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For All Women and Girls” and coincides with the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. Throughout the year, the Rome-based UN agencies plan to collaborate on initiatives that promote policies and investments aimed at improving women farmers’ access to resources, leadership roles, and legal protections.
Leaders from the three organizations highlighted the essential role women play in global food systems. They noted that women are central to food production, family wellbeing, and rural development, often working under difficult conditions while their contributions remain undervalued. Evidence shows that when rural women have equal access to resources, services, and opportunities, their productivity and incomes increase, which strengthens rural economies, improves food security, and builds resilience within communities.
Despite their significant contributions, women farmers continue to face major barriers, including limited access to land ownership, credit, agricultural services, information, and social protection. During the event, speakers and participants stressed the importance of addressing these structural challenges through stronger institutional support, inclusive policies, and improved governance systems that ensure women can fully participate in economic and decision-making processes.
The event, held at FAO headquarters and livestreamed globally, brought together government representatives, women farmers, development practitioners, and civil society organizations to discuss solutions for improving women’s rights and access to justice in agrifood systems. Discussions also highlighted practical obstacles women face when securing land rights, accessing services, and navigating legal or administrative systems.
Participants also explored ways to empower women farmers through community networks, farmers’ organizations, and grassroots initiatives that support economic opportunities and local development. By strengthening collaboration among governments, international organizations, and local groups, stakeholders emphasized the need for coordinated efforts that ensure women farmers are recognized as key contributors to sustainable development.
The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the three UN agencies to continue advancing women farmers’ rights and opportunities through sustained partnerships and policy initiatives. Leadership of the annual International Women’s Day event will pass to the International Fund for Agricultural Development, which will host the 2027 edition as part of ongoing efforts to promote gender equality in global agrifood systems.
