TechnoServe Statement for International Women’s Day: Women’s Economic Empowerment Strengthens Food Systems and Markets
TechnoServe calls for stronger market opportunities, investment, and collaboration to advance women’s economic empowerment across food systems.
ARLINGTON, VA (March 9, 2026)- In commemoration of International Women’s Day and the United Nations’ designation of 2026 as the International Year of the Woman Farmer, TechnoServe’s Women and Youth Director Cristina Manfre issued the following statement:
“This year, we welcome the global push to give greater visibility to the role of women farmers. But visibility must lead to investment.
“36% of employed women worldwide work in agri-food systems, across production, processing, distribution, and services. Women are not only farmers. They are food processors, retailers, agripreneurs, and business leaders sustaining local markets and global supply chains. Yet the majority still face barriers to finance, training, land, information, and decision-making. These constraints limit productivity, incomes, and growth across entire agri-food systems.
“When women gain access to skills, capital, and markets, agri-food systems become fairer, healthier, and more sustainable. They become fairer by incorporating the talent and contributions of half the population. They become healthier as a result of the choices women make as farmers, processors, and business owners. They become more sustainable when women can act as stewards and change agents who adopt resilient and regenerative agricultural practices. Investing in women’s meaningful participation in food systems is good for business, people, and the planet.
“Opportunity must be intentionally built into value chains. Companies, investors, and institutions must create clear pathways for women as farmers, entrepreneurs, and employees. Support must also extend beyond any single value chain, strengthening women’s leadership and economic decision-making across agri-food systems.
“The evidence is clear: closing differences in farm productivity and wages between women and men could add nearly $1 trillion to global GDP and reduce food insecurity for millions of people.
“At TechnoServe, we see what happens when barriers are removed. Women increase their incomes. They adopt improved agricultural practices. They grow businesses and create jobs. Entire communities benefit.
“On International Women’s Day, we call on governments, organizations, and the private sector to move beyond recognition toward sustained investment in women’s economic empowerment. Strong markets depend on it. Resilient supply chains depend on it. Food security depends on it.”
##
About TechnoServe
Founded in 1968, TechnoServe is a leader in harnessing the power of the private sector to help people lift themselves out of poverty for good. A non-profit organization working in around 20 countries, we work with people to build a better future through regenerative farms, businesses, and markets that increase incomes. Our vision is a sustainable world where all people in low-income communities have the opportunity to prosper.
More information at: Twitter @TechnoServe | Facebook @TechnoServe | LinkedIn @TechnoServe