Today, on International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women around the world. This year, let's shine a spotlight on a vital but often under-recognized group: women in agriculture.

Across the globe, women make up a staggering 43% of the agricultural workforce. They are the tillers, the planters, the harvesters – playing a critical role in putting food on our tables.

But their contributions extend far beyond the fields:

• They manage households and families: Rural women often shoulder the responsibility of childcare, eldercare, and maintaining the home, all while working long hours on the farm.

• They are entrepreneurs and innovators: Women are increasingly taking leadership roles, starting their own farms, and developing new agricultural techniques.

• They safeguard our food security: Studies show that farms with greater gender equality are more productive and sustainable.

Despite their immense contributions, women in agriculture face significant challenges:

• Limited land ownership: Women often lack access to land, hindering their ability to control their income and participate fully in agriculture.

• Unequal access to resources: Women may have difficulty getting credit, loans, or training opportunities to improve their farms.

• Gender bias and discrimination: Traditional norms can prevent women from taking on leadership roles or participating in decision-making processes.

On International Women's Day, let's commit to empowering women in agriculture:

• Support organizations that promote gender equality in agriculture.

• Advocate for policies that provide women with land rights, access to resources, and training opportunities.

• Celebrate the women farmers in your community – their hard work feeds us all!

Together, we can create a more equitable and sustainable agricultural sector, where women can reach their full potential and be celebrated as the true heroes they are.

#WomenInAgriculture #IWD2024