What's Happening?
The International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF) 2026 aims to highlight the vital role of women in agriculture and address challenges such as unequal access to resources. The initiative, supported by
the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, seeks to empower women for food security and sustainable development. Despite the global focus, countries like Bangladesh face challenges in implementing policies that ensure equal access to land and financial resources for women farmers. Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce but often lack access to land, credit, and technology.
Why It's Important?
The IYWF 2026 underscores the critical contributions of women to agriculture and food security. Addressing gender disparities in access to resources can significantly enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, particularly in the face of climate change. Empowering women farmers can lead to improved food security and economic stability, benefiting entire communities. The initiative also highlights the need for policy reforms to ensure equitable resource distribution and support for women in agriculture.
What's Next?
The observance of IYWF 2026 presents an opportunity for countries to implement policies that close gender gaps in agrifood systems. This includes providing women farmers with access to land, credit, and market linkages. The initiative calls for investments in training, resources, and decision-making power for women, aiming to build more inclusive and resilient food systems. The success of IYWF 2026 will depend on the commitment of governments and organizations to enact meaningful changes that support women in agriculture.
