2026 International Year

of the Woman Farmer

About 2026 IYWF

In recognition of the vital role women play in shaping our food systems, the United Nations has declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026).

The Year will highlight the essential and often under-recognised contributions of women across agrifood systems, from production and processing to markets and trade. Women farmers are fundamental to food security, improved nutrition, healthy soils, and resilient rural economies.

IYWF 2026 provides a global platform to raise awareness, catalyse action, and accelerate efforts to close gender gaps — strengthening women’s livelihoods and advancing more inclusive, sustainable agrifood systems worldwide.

“As a young woman carrying hope for our soil, our food and our future, I stand with all women whose hands nurture life and resilience.

I believe that realising rights, justice and action for all women and girls will allow us to influence policy and practice, and grow stronger together, like seeds breaking through the earth, reaching for the light.”

Sussana Phiri, CA4SH #Youth4Soil and Membership Lead | YPARD Zambia Country Representative