Building a global network for women in ag
2026 is a very important year for women in ag. The United Nations declared 2026 the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF). During this year, the aim is to spotlight the essential roles women play across agrifood systems, from production to trade, while often going unrecognized. Women farmers are central to food security, nutrition and economic resilience. IYWF 2026 will raise awareness and promote actions to close the gender gaps and improve women’s livelihoods worldwide.
We thought there could be no better moment to launch our new initiative, building on the momentum of the Women in Ag Awards and the growing, global community of women in ag we are creating, to launch the Women in Ag Foundation. More than a magazine, we want to build a global sisterhood of women in ag (and allies). The Foundation is the next step in this work.
The Women in Ag Foundation is a newly forming non-profit organization (VZW under Belgian law) committed to empowering women in agriculture through connection, education, and long-term support. Building on the momentum of Women in Ag Magazine, the Foundation is being established to create meaningful opportunities for women across Europe, Africa, and beyond.
Women play a vital role in agriculture—whether managing farms, contributing to food production, leading innovation, or sustaining rural communities. Yet their voices, expertise, and leadership are often underrepresented. The Women in Ag Foundation seeks to change that by fostering visibility, access to knowledge, and international collaboration.
Our mission is to:
- Support women in all agricultural sectors, regardless of farming method or scale.
- Promote education, mentorship, and exchange programs that strengthen skills and leadership.
- Encourage inclusive dialogue and cooperation across borders, generations, and disciplines.
We welcome partnerships with companies, institutions, and donors who share our vision of a more inclusive and resilient agricultural future. By investing in women, we invest in the heart of agriculture.
Our future activities will include webinars, exchange programs, mentorship, and training sessions designed to foster knowledge-sharing, leadership, and innovation. Through these initiatives, we aim to bring together women from diverse agricultural backgrounds to learn from each other and grow together.
As part of our outreach, we will publish a monthly newsletter featuring stories, interviews, opportunities, and insights from and for women in agriculture. This newsletter will serve as a platform to connect, inspire, and inform—bringing together voices from across regions and sectors.
Webinars
Our webinars will offer accessible, expert-led sessions on topics that matter to women in agriculture—from farm management and innovation to leadership and sustainability. These online events will create space for learning, sharing experiences, and connecting across borders, all from the comfort of home.
Exchange Programs
Through international exchange programs, we will bring together women from different agricultural contexts to learn from one another. Whether visiting farms, attending workshops, or participating in community projects, these exchanges will foster mutual understanding, inspiration, and lasting professional relationships.
Mentorship
Our mentorship program will connect experienced women in agriculture with those seeking guidance, support, and encouragement. By building one-on-one relationships, we will help women grow in confidence, develop new skills, and navigate challenges in their agricultural journey.
Training Sessions
We will organize practical training sessions tailored to the needs of women in agriculture. These sessions will cover a wide range of topics—from technical farming skills to business development and digital tools—empowering participants to strengthen their operations and leadership capacity.
Sister Organisations
The Women in Ag Foundation is building a global network of sister organisations—groups and associations that share our commitment to supporting women in agriculture. By connecting with like-minded initiatives worldwide, we aim to foster collaboration, amplify impact, and create a united voice for women in the sector.
Our sister organisations are independent partners who work locally or regionally to empower women through training, advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community development. Through this network, we will exchange knowledge, co-host events, and support each other’s missions—strengthening the visibility and influence of women in agriculture worldwide.
Together, we are more than the sum of our parts. We invite organisations working with and for women in agriculture to join us in building a vibrant, inclusive, and supportive international community.
Partner with the Women in Ag Foundation
The agricultural sector thrives on diversity, innovation, and resilience—and women are at the heart of it all. The Women in Ag Foundation is building a dynamic platform to support women in agriculture across Europe, Africa, and beyond. We invite forward-thinking companies and organizations to join us as partners in this journey.
By collaborating with the Foundation, you contribute to a more inclusive and future-oriented agricultural landscape. Our initiatives—ranging from webinars and mentorship to exchange programs and communication audits (WIA-Scan)—offer concrete opportunities to connect with women who are shaping the sector every day.
Partnership means visibility, shared values, and meaningful engagement. Whether through joint projects, knowledge exchange, or strategic alignment, we work with our partners to create impact that resonates across communities and generations.
Let’s grow together. Not by giving, but by building—a stronger, more inclusive agricultural future.
How to Become a Partner
We welcome partnerships with organizations, companies, and institutions that share our commitment to empowering women in agriculture. Joining the Women in Ag Foundation as a partner means becoming part of a growing international network that values inclusion, knowledge-sharing, and sustainable development.
Partners can engage with us in various ways, including:
- Collaborating on educational programs, events, or exchange initiatives.
- Contributing expertise or visibility to our webinars, training sessions, or mentorship network.
- Aligning communication efforts with our WIA-Scan to promote gender-inclusive representation.
- Supporting grassroots initiatives through joint projects or strategic cooperation.
Interested in becoming a partner?
We’d love to hear from you. Reach out to us via antoon@womeninagmag.com to explore how we can work together to strengthen the role of women in agriculture—locally and globally.
This article was published in Women in Ag Magazine 2025-004. Click here to read the magazine.
