A forum dedicated to the International Day of Rural Women and the International Year of Women Farmers 2026 was held in Tashkent

Tashkent hosted a forum dedicated to the International Day of Rural Women and the International Year of Woman Farmers 2026

Tashkent, October 8, 2026 — Tashkent hosted the international forum "Woman Farmers: Science, Innovation and Transformation of Agri-food Systems", timed to coincide with the International Day of Rural Women, celebrated on October 15, and the International Year of Woman Farmers 2026 (IYWF 2026), proclaimed by the United Nations. The forum was dedicated to recognizing the contribution of woman farmers to agricultural development and food security, as well as expanding their access to scientific knowledge, innovation, modern technologies, and economic opportunities.

The event was attended by 150 people, including representatives of government and public organizations, international institutions, research and educational institutions, foreign and domestic experts, scientists, agricultural specialists, woman farmers, and media representatives.

The forum was organized by the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Family and Women Committee, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the German Development Bank (KfW), Business & Finance Consulting (BFC) GmbH, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the Republican Council of the Trade Union of Agricultural Workers of Uzbekistan, the Council of Farmers of Uzbekistan, the "Women of the Agrarian Sector" Association, and the Tashkent State Agrarian University.

The UN General Assembly's proclamation of 2026 as the International Year of Woman Farmers aims to recognize the key role of women in agri-food systems and draw international attention to the systemic barriers they face. Within the framework of the International Year, FAO focuses on expanding women's access to land, financial resources, knowledge, technology, and markets, strengthening gender equality, and improving their economic and social status in agriculture.

"Woman farmers play an important role in ensuring food security, developing rural areas, and shaping sustainable agri-food systems. At the same time, they still face constraints in access to land, financial resources, modern technologies, and markets. The International Year of Woman Farmers 2026 provides an important opportunity to draw attention to these issues and promote practical solutions. FAO is committed to helping strengthen the knowledge and skills of woman farmers, expanding their access to innovation, and ensuring their equal participation in agri-food systems," said Sherzod Umarov, Assistant FAO Representative in Uzbekistan.

The main themes of the forum were related to expanding the participation of woman farmers in agricultural science, agribusiness, and value chains, strengthening their role in climate change adaptation, efficient use of natural resources, and food security.

The plenary session "Women as a Driving Force for the Transformation of Agri-food Systems: Gender Equality, Innovation, Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Development" discussed issues of expanding women's economic opportunities, developing agricultural research and innovation, introducing digital technologies, and improving access to markets.

Thematic sessions addressed agricultural innovation, opportunities for small and medium enterprise development in the fruit and vegetable sector, and the participation of woman farmers in shaping sustainable agri-food systems. Participants exchanged experiences and prepared proposals to support women's entrepreneurship, integrate scientific research results into agricultural practice, and strengthen cooperation between producers and scientific institutions.

An exhibition organized as part of the forum featured agricultural products grown by woman farmers, processed food products, as well as agricultural innovations and startups. The exhibition provided participants with an opportunity to present their products, exchange experiences, establish new business contacts, and discuss promising areas of cooperation.

During the event, an award ceremony was also held for the winners of the republican contest "Best Woman Farmer of the Year – 2026". The contest highlighted the achievements of woman farmers in agricultural production, their initiatives to introduce innovative approaches, and their contribution to rural development.

"For us, woman farmers, the most important thing is to have the opportunity to improve the quality of our produce, master new technologies, and bring our products to markets. This requires knowledge, financial support, and cooperation with specialists. Forums like this allow us to learn from the experience of other farmers, find new partners, and get acquainted with innovative solutions that we can apply in our own households," said Masturakhon Sayfutdinova, a woman farmer from Uzbekistan included in the FAO list of "100 Women Heroes of Agri-food Systems and Rural Development" and a participant of the forum.

Following the forum, the Tashkent Declaration was adopted, aimed at expanding the participation of woman farmers in agricultural science and innovation, strengthening their economic opportunities, and improving access to knowledge and modern technologies.

The Declaration identifies supporting women's entrepreneurship in agriculture, developing cooperation between scientific institutions and producers, and shaping sustainable agri-food systems as priority areas. The document serves as a basis for continuing national and international cooperation in these fields.

The forum, held within the framework of the International Day of Rural Women and the International Year of Woman Farmers 2026, became an important platform for dialogue on expanding the participation of woman farmers in the transformation of agri-food systems, strengthening their economic opportunities, and supporting sustainable agricultural development through science and innovation.