FAO highlights the collective organization as a key to strengthening the leadership and economic autonomy of rural women in family farming

Strengthening associativity and productive organization among rural women to expand their economic participation and influence in decision-making was one of the main conclusions of the final session of the 4th Cycle of Technical Exchanges for Family Farming.

The experiences from Zambia and Paraguay, presented to nearly 80 participants, highlighted how the establishment of women’s associations, cooperatives, and networks strengthens bargaining power, promotes collective learning, and the capacity for leadership.

The dialogue also addressed the role of collective action in overcoming barriers that limit rural women’s access to land, financing, markets, and technology, as well as the importance of implementing organizational models that respond to local priorities and territorial contexts.

Additionally, the session underscored the need for public policies to promote productive organization and associations. This includes recognizing and including women’s groups in the design, implementation, and monitoring of programs; fostering links to financial services, public procurement systems, and markets; and facilitating access to information and capacity-building opportunities.

This session marked the conclusion of the 4th Cycle of Technical Exchanges for Family Farming. This edition, led by the Regional Technical Platform for Family Farming of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the Specialized Meeting on Family Farming of MERCOSUR (REAF/MERCOSUR) and UN Women, placed the role of rural women in agrifood systems at the centre of discussions.

In his closing remarks, Lautaro Viscay, Technical Secretary of REAF/MERCOSUR, highlighted the value of sharing experiences regarding how women producers form associations: "In terms of social innovation, it is crucial to consider how rural women organize themselves to achieve their goals, improve their participation and influence, generate income, and build a society and a territory where they can play an active role."

"As we reach the end of this cycle, the best outcome we can take away is that the conversation does not end here. We hope these exchanges will allow us to continue connecting experiences, strengthening networks, and building partnerships, but above all, help us develop develop responses that recognize the diversity of rural women and their fundamental role in economies, communities and territories," added Mildred García, UN Women Representative in Honduras.

Catalina Ivanovic, Specialist in the Empowerment of Rural Women at the FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, noted: "The challenge is to build on the progress and lessons learned over recent years, especially during this International Year of the Woman Farmer. We must recognize the good practices presented throughout this cycle, as well as the efforts of women’s organizations to strengthen a short-, medium-, and long-term agenda, with concrete results that improve their opportunities and living conditions."

Regional meeting in Montevideo to continue the dialogue on rural women's empowerment

To further advance discussions on issues related to the empowerment of rural women, a regional meeting of rural women will be held on November 16 in Montevideo, Uruguay, within the framework of the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the REAF.

The event, supported by FAO and held within the framework of the 45th Specialized Meeting on Family Farming of MERCOSUR (REAF/MERCOSUR), will provide an opportunity to contribute to the dialogue on policies, strategies, and tools that promote the economic empowerment of rural women in family farming across Latin America and the Caribbean. It will place particular emphasis on the strategic role of young rural women in innovation, science, digitalization, and the sustainability of agrifood systems.