International conference backs global alliance to boost women’s leadership in food systems

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is developing a national gender platform that will connect more than 900 institutions to enhance the role of women in agriculture through coordinated research, extension services, and capacity-building initiatives. The platform will integrate ICAR institutes, Krishi Vigyan Kendras, and agricultural universities, creating a unified framework to address gender gaps across the agri-food value chain.

The announcement came at the conclusion of the Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026), a three-day event held in New Delhi with participation from delegates representing 18 countries. The conference culminated in the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, which advocates the formation of a Global Alliance on Women in Agri-Food Systems to promote inclusive growth and leadership opportunities for women worldwide.

The declaration outlines a comprehensive agenda focused on advancing gender-responsive policies, improving women’s access to land, finance, and technology, and fostering entrepreneurship led by women in agriculture. It also emphasizes the need for accountability mechanisms such as periodic gender audits and stronger institutional collaboration.

Experts at the conference highlighted the critical contribution of women to global agriculture, noting their significant share in the workforce while underscoring persistent barriers in access to credit, markets, and decision-making roles. The discussions also stressed the importance of systematically collecting gender-disaggregated data to support evidence-based policymaking and targeted interventions.

The conference featured multiple technical sessions addressing emerging themes such as climate resilience, digital innovation, and disruptive technologies in agriculture. With participation from leading international organizations, the event reinforced the need for coordinated global and national efforts to translate policy commitments into measurable outcomes for women in agri-food systems.