Empowered to Grow: Women Leading Change in Agriculture through Cooperation
Commemorating the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF) 2026, the Asia-Pacific region came together in Hanoi, Vietnam, from 7–9 May 2026 to recognise and celebrate the role of women in agriculture and cooperatives. Organised by ICA-AP and the ICA-AP Committee on Women under the ICA-EU Financial Framework Partnership Agreement (FFPA) Phase 2, with support from the ICA-JCCU Gender Project and in collaboration with the Vietnam Cooperative Alliance (VCA) and the All-China Federation of Supply and Marketing Cooperatives (ACFSMC), the regional conference was held under the theme “Empowered to Grow: Women Leading Change in Agriculture through Cooperation.”
Bringing together women cooperative farmers, cooperative leaders, policymakers, researchers, and development practitioners from across Asia and the Pacific, the conference provided a platform for dialogue, learning, and exchange. Participants represented cooperative organisations and institutions from Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside international organisations including FAO, UN Women, UNDP, and AgriTerra. Through shared experiences and diverse perspectives, participants explored both the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of women in agriculture and cooperatives.
Throughout the two days, the voices of women farmers remained at the centre of the discussions. Through personal stories and practical examples, participants highlighted how cooperatives have helped women access markets, improve incomes, adopt new farming practices, and take on leadership roles within their communities. These exchanges offered valuable insights into the ways cooperative models can support both economic participation and social empowerment.
The conference also examined the changing realities facing agricultural communities across the region. Discussions explored the impacts of climate change, market uncertainty, technological change, and shifting rural demographics, while showcasing examples of innovation from women-led cooperatives. From climate-resilient farming practices and value addition to the use of digital tools and community-based initiatives, participants shared approaches that are helping women adapt and respond to emerging challenges.
Another key theme was the need for stronger evidence and more responsive policies. Participants emphasised the importance of gender-disaggregated data in understanding women’s participation and leadership within cooperatives, and discussed ways to strengthen women’s representation in governance structures, improve access to finance and technology, and create more supportive institutional environments.
Beyond the formal sessions, the conference encouraged dialogue across countries, sectors, and generations. While the experiences shared came from different contexts, many of the challenges raised were familiar. The discussions reinforced the value of cooperation, peer learning, and collective action in addressing barriers that women farmers continue to face.
More than a celebration, the conference served as a reminder that women farmers are already leading change in their communities every day. As the cooperative movement marks the IYWF 2026, the conference provided an opportunity to listen to women’s voices, learn from their experiences, and continue the conversation on how cooperatives can support their growth and leadership.