UN Makes Landmark Resolution, Declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

In a significant stride towards recognising the pivotal role of women in agriculture, the United Nations has made a landmark resolution, declaring 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer. This groundbreaking decision is aimed to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of women farmers worldwide. Read on to learn more.

UN Declares 2026 As The International Year of the Woman Farmer

In a landmark move, the United Nations General Assembly has declared 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, recognising the indispensable role women play in global food systems. This initiative aims to highlight and address the challenges faced by women farmers, promoting gender-equitable policies and empowering them to contribute to sustainable agriculture.

Women are the backbone of agriculture, contributing nearly 50% of the global food supply as per reports. In developing countries, they produce 60-80% of food, often working tirelessly in challenging conditions. However, despite their significant contributions, women farmers face numerous challenges from limited land ownership to inadequate access to credit and technology, and a lack of representation in decision-making processes.

International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026

The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 seeks to address these challenges and promote gender equality in agriculture. This move aims to:

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• Promote gender-sensitive policy design and implementation
• Improve access to resources, including land, credit, and technology
• Support women-led agricultural value chains and market access
• Build capacity and promote social change, recognising women's leadership and contributions to agriculture

The UN's declaration is a significant step in promoting empowerment of women in agriculture. By highlighting the challenges faced by women farmers and promoting solutions, this initiative can help:

• Build climate-resilient food systems and improve food security
• Address structural inequalities in agricultural economies
• Increase rural livelihoods and promote inclusive growth

Government Initiatives and Success Stories

Governments around the world are already taking steps to support women farmers. For example, India's Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana and Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanisation provide training, resources, and subsidies to women farmers. The ENACT project in Assam, jointly run by the World Food Programme and the Government of Assam, uses mobile phones to deliver climate advisories and promote climate-resilient agriculture.

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Image credits: Freepik