In a landmark decision, the United Nations General Assembly has designated 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, a move welcomed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The resolution, proposed by the United States of America and adopted by consensus, aims to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women farmers to global agrifood systems.
International Year of the Woman Farmer: Recognizing Women’s Role in Agriculture
The resolution invites FAO, in collaboration with other UN Rome-based Agencies, to spearhead the implementation and observance of this significant year. It calls upon UN Member States, international organizations, civil society, the private sector, and academia to amplify awareness of the pivotal role women farmers play in ensuring food security, nutrition, and poverty eradication worldwide.
Addressing Challenges and Barriers
Despite constituting 39% of the global agricultural labor force, women farmers encounter multifaceted challenges and discrimination within agrifood systems. FAO’s recent report, The Status of Women in Agrifood Systems, underscores these disparities, emphasizing the need for concerted efforts to address issues such as land ownership, job security, equitable pay, and participation in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, FAO’s report, The Unjust Climate, highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on vulnerable groups, including women in rural areas. Data reveals a concerning trend: a 1°C rise in temperatures correlates with a significant reduction in the incomes of female-headed households. This underscores the urgent need for gender-sensitive climate adaptation strategies to safeguard the livelihoods of women farmers.
In commemorating the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, FAO reaffirms its commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in agriculture. By advocating for policy frameworks, promoting inclusive rural development, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders, FAO aims to create more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable agrifood systems that benefit all.
As the world celebrates the vital contributions of women farmers, FAO calls for global solidarity and action to dismantle barriers, empower rural women, and ensure a more equitable and prosperous future for agrifood systems worldwide.
