The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP) marked International Women’s Day 2026 with a joint event focused on strengthening women farmers’ access to justice, rights, and opportunities. This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” aligns with the global International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, during which the Rome-based agencies aim to promote policies and investments that expand women farmers’ access to resources, leadership, and legal protections.
FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu emphasized that women are central to agrifood systems and food security, noting that investing in women farmers strengthens rural development, resilience, and sustainability. Gérardine Mukeshimana, IFAD Vice-President, highlighted that equal access to opportunities increases productivity, incomes, and resilience, boosting overall rural economies. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain stressed that women lead efforts to fight hunger globally, yet often lack access to land, credit, and tools needed to transform their critical roles, calling for greater investment in women’s leadership.
The event, held at FAO Headquarters and livestreamed worldwide, brought together Member State representatives, women farmers, leaders, and practitioners. Discussions addressed persistent barriers women face in agrifood systems, including unequal access to land, finance, services, information, and social protection, while emphasizing the need for stronger institutional support. High-level panelists, including Swedish and international representatives, focused on policy and governance measures required to secure women’s rights and expand access to justice and essential services.
Contributions from farmers’ organizations and community-led groups illustrated practical challenges and solutions. Organizations such as Coldiretti Fondazione Campagna Amica in Italy, India’s Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), FADEMUR in Spain, LOFEPACO in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce in Egypt shared examples of programs that strengthen legal awareness, economic opportunities, and women’s leadership in local initiatives.
Celebratory activities included an exhibition at the FAO Food and Agriculture Museum showcasing women’s contributions to food, farming, and cultural heritage, and a live cooking show led by women farmers and chefs, highlighting traditional recipes and knowledge transmission. IFAD also presented a photo exhibition featuring women agripreneurs achieving impact through IFAD-financed projects. Additionally, a new 5-euro silver commemorative coin was unveiled, honoring women’s roles in agriculture, fisheries, livestock, and forestry.
FAO, IFAD, and WFP concluded by underlining the importance of sustained, coordinated action to expand women farmers’ rights, resources, and leadership. Leadership of the annual International Women’s Day event was handed to IFAD for 2027, and the agencies committed to continue collaborating with Members, partners, and farmers’ organizations to implement practical solutions enhancing women’s justice, resource access, and leadership across agrifood systems.
