Eman Seif speaks at UN event ahead of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
On 5 March 2025, the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WorldFMC) attended the International Women’s Day event held at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Rome. The event was jointly organized by FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the World Food Programme (WFP) as part of the global celebrations leading to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
The gathering brought together women farmers from diverse regions and agricultural sectors to share their experiences, challenges and innovative practices. Representatives of the Rome-based UN Agencies and the Government of Sweden delivered remarks, reaffirming their commitment to gender equality and to strengthening the role of women in agrifood systems worldwide. A significant moment of the event was the unveiling of the commemorative Euro coin dedicated to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.
A Voice from the WorldFMC Community
The WorldFMC was particularly proud to see Eman Seif, one of our members, invited as a speaker at this conference. Her intervention contributed to the global dialogue by highlighting the central role women play within farmers markets and territorial food systems.
Through her contribution, the importance of women’s leadership in preserving biodiversity, strengthening short supply chains, supporting local economies and enhancing community resilience was brought to the forefront. Farmers markets are not only spaces of exchange, but platforms for empowerment, innovation and social cohesion and women are often at the heart of these dynamics.
Celebrating Women Farmers Beyond the Conference Hall
In addition to the institutional session, FAO hosted an exhibition in its atrium featuring products made by women farmers. The programme also included a food tasting and a live cooking show at the FAO MuNe Food Lab, where chef-farmers prepared regional Italian dishes, celebrating the knowledge, skills and cultural heritage embedded in local food production.
These moments offered a tangible demonstration of the diversity, creativity and excellence of women-led agricultural initiatives.
Looking Ahead to 2026
Our presence, and the participation of our member as a speaker, reflects the growing recognition of farmers markets and grassroots food systems within global policy discussions.
As the world moves towards the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, the Coalition reaffirms its commitment to:
- Promoting the visibility and leadership of women in farmers markets
- Supporting inclusive and equitable local food systems
- Protecting agricultural biodiversity
- Strengthening the social and economic resilience of communities
Women farmers nourish communities, safeguard traditions and drive innovation. Their leadership is essential to building sustainable agrifood systems for the future.
