To commemorate the International Women’s Day (IWD), stakeholders – governments, development partners, agricultural organisations, and individual farmers have been urged to create a space where women can flourish, their voices heard, and their contributions celebrated in the country.
 
Speaking in Abuja on this year’s event, the Sasakawa Africa Association’s (SAA) Country Director, Dr Godwin Atser, said this year’s theme: Inspire Inclusion, resonates deeply with the organisation’s vision and mission to support Africa in fulfilling its aspirations of building resilient and sustainable food systems by catalysing knowledge sharing and enabling food, nutrition, and income security in their communities.
 
“Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day (IWD), a day dedicated to recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. IWD serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and a catalyst for inspiring change.
 
“We recognise the immense contributions women are making in agriculture, a sector where their dedication and innovation are often overlooked. From managing small farms to leading agricultural businesses, women are a cornerstone of food security and rural development,” he said.
 
Atser said SAA’s core agricultural extension approaches – Regenerative Agriculture (RA), Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA), and Market-Oriented Agriculture (MOA) – are designed with inclusivity at their heart, adding that SSA actively dismantle barriers that hinder women’s access to resources, training, and leadership opportunities.
 
“SAA’s gender mainstreaming training goes beyond agricultural techniques. It equips women with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, fostering confidence in business development, marketing, and entrepreneurship. We champion inclusivity within our organisation by ensuring women have equal opportunities for leadership roles and promoting a culture that celebrates diversity.
 
“Imagine the possibilities when women’s brilliance, dedication, and innovation are fully unleashed in agriculture. This International Women’s Day, let’s not just acknowledge the challenges; let’s inspire action towards a future where women are not only included but celebrated as leaders in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous food system.”
 
Atser stressed the need to build a truly inclusive agricultural sector, “we unlock a multitude of benefits. This includes, unprecedented advancements in agricultural productivity and economic empowerment for women, enhanced food security and improved nutrition for families and communities, and the creation of a more resilient and innovative agricultural landscape.”