The FAO welcomes the resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer as an opportunity to highlight the importance of social protection in reducing gender inequalities and empowering rural women in agrifood systems.

The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 will serve as a platform for the adoption of effective policies and actions against the barriers and challenges that women farmers face across agrifood systems, as well as to promote gender equality and the empowerment of all women in agriculture.

The observance will also highlight the vital role of peasant women and other rural women in ensuring the economic survival of their families and contributing to both the rural and national economies.