From Alaska to Anatolia: How an impact film screening at the IAAS World Congress is sparking a new conversation on young women in agrifood systems

On 17 July 2026, at the 69th World Congress of the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) in Ankara, the World Food Forum (WFF) Türkiye Youth Chapter, together with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and IAAS Türkiye, hosted a film screening titled, “She Feeds the Future: Young Women Shaping Agrifood Systems”. The impact screening session used film and dialogue to highlight the contributions of young women to agrifood systems and explore how youth can support more inclusive and gender-responsive action.

Under the theme “Journey of Agriculture: From Anatolia to the World”, the event brought together students, young professionals, researchers and institutional partners and contributed to the awareness building around the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026.

At the centre of the event was Usugilix Awakun directed by Palmer Morse and Matt Mikkelsen, a finalist in the 2025 WFF Youth Film Festival in the Best Focus on Women in Agrifood Systems category. The documentary follows Shayla, a young Unangax̂ scientist in Alaska, as she investigates toxic algal blooms threatening her community’s traditional food sources. Her story highlights the role of young women in combining scientific knowledge with traditional practices to address challenges affecting food, livelihoods and communities.

The screening was preceded by a reflection inviting participants to think about women in their own lives who grow, prepare or manage food and whose contributions may go unrecognized. Opening remarks from Chimi Hajar, Vice President of Exchange at IAAS and a video message from Kazuki Kitaoka, Director of FAO’s Office of Youth and Women, connected the session to the International Year of the Woman Farmer and the role of youth networks in advancing gender equality.

Following the screening, a panel discussion brought together young women working and studying at the intersection of agrifood systems and STEM. Panelists shared experiences of pursuing careers in research, agriculture and natural resource management, reflecting on the barriers facing young women and the importance of mentorship, international cooperation and youth networks in creating more equitable opportunities that enable them to develop their skills and contribute to decision-making.

The session concluded with an interactive activity in which participants shared one concrete idea, story or commitment to advance gender-responsive action. Their responses were shared in real time, creating a digital mosaic of pledges. Contributions included commitments to mentor younger students and calls for more inclusive education. The Chapter and IAAS will carry these reflections forward through future youth engagement activities.

By combining storytelling with youth-led dialogue and action, the event demonstrated how impact screenings can create spaces for reflection and meaningful engagement on issues affecting young women in agrifood systems. For many agricultural students at the start of their careers, the screening connected a story from Alaska with their own experiences, offering a reminder that their perspectives matter, their challenges are shared and their leadership is essential to shaping the future of agrifood systems.