On October 11, 2025, the vibrant launch of the Women in Agroecology and Food Systems Network took place at the Vibes Hotel and Spa in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Mahder Akalu, a Communications Expert and facilitator of the event opened the session by warmly welcoming all participants to the launch and networking event of the Women in Agroecology & Food Systems Network.
Dr. Bayush Tsegaye, Executive Director of the Ethiopian Sustainable Food Systems and Agroecology Consortium (ESFSAC) marked the event a significant step towards amplifying women’s voices in a sector where they are critically underrepresented. Dr. Bayush outlined the mission and core values of ESFSAC, which champions diversity, sustainability, sovereignty, solidarity, justice and empowerment. The formation of this network was inspired by a previous gathering on International Women’s Day in 2024 with the objective of tackling the systemic exclusion of women from training programs, assuming leadership roles and recognizing their invaluable indigenous knowledge.
“No success in agroecology and food systems without engaging women”
The event featured several engaging and insightful sessions designed to highlight the different roles and contribution of women. A particularly creative segment, “Drawing a day in the life of a woman farmer,” saw participants visually mapping the relentless daily schedule of women, from predawn household chores and childcare to intensive farm labor and market activities. This was complemented by the “My Star” session, where participants shared personal and professional role models, illustrating the profound influence of women; from mothers, academic mentors, entrepreneurs to community leaders in shaping their lives and careers. These activities highlighted the immense, often unpaid, contributions of women to both agriculture and family well-being.
A core part of the agenda was a structured group discussion focusing on critical themes of leadership, policy, capacity building, and knowledge documentation. The presentations revealed significant barriers, including limited land ownership, inadequate policy implementation and a lack of access to credit and training for women.
Key Recommendations:
- Advocacy to engage youth and women in policy development/revision process.
- Creation of inclusive capacity building programs (knowledge, skill and competence).
- Utilization of labor saving appropriate technologies.
- Systematically documenting, enhancing and sharing women’s indigenous agroecological and food related knowledge.
The gathering concluded with plans for concrete action, including the formation of a dedicated women’s task force to be selected from the network. This gathering emphasized the power of collective effort and diverse perspectives to influence policy effectively. This networking event successfully laid a strong foundation for a collaborative movement aimed at empowering women, advocating for their rights, and fostering a more sustainable and equitable food system for Ethiopia.
