Women in Agriculture Conference Inspires Global Change and Leadership

Introduction

The women in agriculture conference held in New Delhi marked a significant moment in global efforts to strengthen gender equality and women’s empowerment across agri‑food systems. Leaders, policymakers, scientists, and women farmers gathered to explore practical solutions, share success stories, and chart a way forward for inclusive agricultural development. This event underscored how elevating women’s roles can transform farming communities and drive sustainable growth.

Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems brings together policymakers, scientists, and women farmers

Uniting Voices at the Global Conference on Women in Agri‑Food Systems

The Global Conference on Women in Agri‑Food Systems (GCWAS–2026) brought together over 700 participants from more than 18 countries, including scientists, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and women farmers. Held at the ICAR Convention Centre in New Delhi, the three‑day event focused on gender equality, technology access, capacity building, and leadership development in agriculture.

President’s Inspiring Address

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the conference with a powerful message on the indispensable role of women in shaping the future of agriculture. She highlighted that empowering women farmers and leaders is not only an economic imperative but also a pathway to resilient and sustainable food systems worldwide.

Government Initiatives and Support

Union Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan pointed to major national initiatives aimed at strengthening women’s participation in governance and rural development, such as:

• Reservation for women in Parliament and state legislatures

• Expansion of Self‑Help Groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana

• Economic empowerment goals targeting millions of women farmers

Chouhan noted that around three crore women have achieved annual earnings of over ₹1 lakh, with plans to expand this impact further.

Focus Areas that Shaped the Dialogue

The conference featured a blend of policy discussions, technical sessions, and interactive forums, all centered on strengthening women’s roles across agricultural value chains. Key themes included:

Gender Equality and Policy Dialogue

Participants explored how gender‑responsive policies can create enabling environments for women to access resources, markets, and leadership positions.

Technology and Innovation

Discussion emphasized bridging the digital divide by ensuring women farmers have access to modern agricultural tools, training, and climate‑smart technologies.

Economic Inclusion and Entrepreneurship

Sessions highlighted success stories of women entrepreneurs and pathways to expand market linkages, financial services, and sustainable business models.

Women Farmers Empowerment

The conference showcased stories from women farmers confronting field challenges and influencing global policy frameworks — reinforcing their critical role in food production and community resilience.

Why This Conference Matters

The declaration of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer by the United Nations added a global dimension to the discussion, emphasizing that advancing women’s roles in agriculture is central to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

By fostering cross‑sector partnerships and sharing best practices, the Global Conference on Women in Agri‑Food Systems has set the stage for policy innovation and collaborative action that can accelerate gender equality across farming communities worldwide.

Conclusion:

The women in agriculture conference reaffirmed that empowering women is essential for sustainable agricultural growth, food security, and community development. As global stakeholders commit to fostering inclusive agri‑food systems, empowering women farmers and leaders will remain at the heart of transformative change. Embracing this momentum can unlock new opportunities for innovation, economic inclusion, and gender equity across the world’s food systems.