Empowering women farmers for equity, health, and nutrition on International Women's Day
On International Women's Day 2026, the focus is on equal rights and justice for women farmers, aligning with 2026 being the International Year of the Woman Farmer. Women farmers face systemic exclusion due to lack of land titles and formal recognition, hindering access to credit, insurance, and extension services. The 'feminisation of agriculture' means women bear increased workloads, leading to health issues and malnutrition. Despite India's right-to-food framework, women's nutritional improvements are uneven. Key priorities include enhancing their visibility in law and data, strengthening land rights, integrating nutritional objectives into food systems, and improving access to technology and extension services.
Key Points
- International Women's Day 2026 emphasizes equal rights and justice for women farmers, coinciding with the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- Women farmers face systemic exclusion from formal recognition and land rights, limiting their access to essential agricultural resources.
- The 'feminisation of agriculture' has increased women's workload, contributing to severe health issues and malnutrition among women and girls.
- Despite India's National Food Security Act, improvements in women's nutrition remain uneven.
- Key priorities include improving data collection, strengthening land rights, promoting nutri-cereals, and providing access to technology and extension services for women farmers.
Exam Facts
- International Women's Day is observed on March 8.
- 2026 is observed as the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
- The National Food Security Act provides a right-to-food framework in India.
- M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) and World Food Programme (WFP) are involved in advocating for women farmers.
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