Every year, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated worldwide to honor the incredible accomplishments of women in politics, society, the arts, and the economy, while emphasizing the essential pursuit of female freedom and progress. This day stands as a tribute to women's achievements that transcend national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, political, and economic boundaries.

The theme for 2025 IWD globally is "Accelerate Action," a powerful reminder of our urgent need to advance women's equality.

In an inspiring commitment to closing the gender gap in agriculture, the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways in collaboration with the World Bank, UN Women, United Nations Development Programme (UNDO), United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO), Fiji Development Bank and other Development Partners enthusiastically joins this international observance by organizing a National Women in Agriculture Symposium and Awards Night.

This event aims to recognize and celebrate the vital contributions of women in the sector and the economy, empowering women farmers economically, promoting gender equality, and strengthening women's resilience against external challenges.

Representatives from women's groups across 14 provinces of Fiji and Rotuma, who are engaged in crop and livestock farming as well as food value-added businesses, will converge at the Grand Pacific Hotel from today, 6^th and 7^th of March to commemorate women’s contribution to the agricultural sector.

Women are essential to global food systems, taking part in a wide range of activities from crop production to food processing, preparation, and distribution, as well as engaging in both paid and unpaid labor to nourish families, communities, and the world.

By investing in gender equality, we can ensure that the benefits of recovery are shared fairly and that women's resilience to crises is strengthened.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization, granting women in developing countries equal access to information, land, improved technologies, financing, and markets could increase agricultural yields by up to 30 percent, potentially lifting over 100 million people out of hunger. Consequently, investing in women also boosts the overall economy.

Achieving gender equality in agriculture is a critical step toward recognizing the rights of both women and men in a sector fundamentally important for food security, livelihoods, and economic growth in Fiji, which includes areas like tourism and trade. Evidence shows that equitable outcomes in agriculture enhance productivity and improve resilience to climate challenges and disasters by leveraging the knowledge and efforts of both women and men for better results.

The Policy for Gender in Agriculture in Fiji (2022-2027) has been established as part of the Fijian Government’s commitment to progressively achieve gender equality for all citizens. This includes developing specific gender action plans for each sector and its corresponding ministry.

The theme for the 2025 National Women in Agriculture Symposium is “Celebrating Women who are transforming the landscape of agriculture in Fiji” and this event is to let the untold stories of women in agriculture be told and recognized.

The Ministry will continue to acknowledge the significant contributions of women in agriculture, who represent 14% of our farmers.

Today, 6^th of March, the women farmers representing various farming categories, including smallholder, semi-commercial, and commercial levels will participate in networking sessions by sharing best practices, experiences, and agricultural requirements among participants.

In addition, development partners, NGOs, and various government representatives will also attend the two-day gathering to participate in panel discussions in paving the way forward for women farmers across the country.

This evening (6^th March)  the Ministry of Agriculture and Waterways will also proudly host the 2nd Women in Agriculture Awards Night at the Grand Pacific Hotel to honor and recognize the invaluable contributions of women who are transforming the landscape of agriculture in Fiji.

The two days program will serve as a vital platform to assess the progress made by the Ministry, development partners, and NGOs in addressing gender disparities in agriculture, enhancing gender inclusion in decision-making, advocating for reform, and honoring the extraordinary courage and determination of everyday women farmers who nurture their families, communities, and the nation.

On the 7^th of March, participants will visit the Koronivia Research Station and participate in a hands on training on various topics tailored to their needs. Training topics include cassava flour processing, fruit jam production, chili sauce preparation, flower Arrangements, and a research field tour.

It is envisaged that the two-day program for women in agriculture will empower participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the agricultural sector and help to grow the sector in Fiji.

ENDS

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