WFF Nepal Youth Chapter advances dialogue on women-driven agrifood systems at APDM 2026

The World Food Forum (WFF) Nepal Youth Chapter co-organized two impactful sessions at the 2026 Asia-Pacific Directors Meeting (APDM), hosted by the International Association of Students in Agricultural and Related Sciences (IAAS) at Kathmandu University in Nepal. Bringing together more than 60 young delegates from universities across Nepal, the sessions focused on advancing women's leadership in agrifood systems, with particular attention to young women, in the context of the International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF) 2026.

Spotlighting the International Year of the Woman Farmer

A key highlight of the Chapter's engagement was an expert session dedicated to the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026, which explored the contributions of women in agriculture and the opportunities needed to strengthen their leadership across agrifood systems.

The session opened with the story of Kashi Maya Gurung, an organic farmer from Kavre District, who shared her journey from witnessing the impacts of excessive chemical fertilizer use, to establishing her own farm on leased land. Today, she produces seasonal and off-season vegetables, provides employment for members of her community and hopes to develop her farm into a learning centre for young students. Her reflections, including loss of a tomato crop to a hailstorm, highlighted the realities many women farmers face as climate-related risks continue to intensify.

Building on this perspective, Bhawani Thapaliya from FAO Country Office in Nepal highlighted the significance of the IYWF and emphasized that sustainable and resilient agrifood systems depend on advancing gender equality and expanding opportunities for women across the sector.

A panel discussion on "Advancing women's leadership in agriculture and enterprise" brought together representatives from academia, civil society and the innovation sector to discuss the barriers and opportunities facing women leaders in agrifood systems. Discussions demonstrated that increasing women's leadership requires more than improving representation. Participants emphasized the need to address the social, institutional and cultural barriers that continue to shape access to leadership, education, finance, technology and decision-making opportunities. Drawing on her experience in academia, Assistant Professor from Kathmandu University, Ram Devi Tachamo Shah underscored the importance of developing leadership skills alongside technical education to better prepare young women for leadership roles. Anupama Pokharel, from Women Rehabilitation Centre, emphasized that empowerment also requires address the social norms and unequal power structures that continue to limit women's participation.

Sushma Paudel, co-founder of Eco-revive Research and Innovation, notes that technology can become a powerful tool for empowerment when it is designed to be accessible, inclusive and responsive to women's diverse realities. Participants also reflected on the importance of education, mentorship, supportive networks and access to resources in enabling young women to pursue careers and leadership roles in agrifood systems.

The sessions reinforced a collective commitment to building youth-driven and women-empowered agrifood systems. By combining lived experiences and expert perspectives, the Chapter created a platform for learning, collaboration and reflection on the role of women, particularly young women, in shaping the future of agriculture.

Building on this momentum, the Chapter aims to continue promoting youth engagement and local action throughout the IYWF, strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities for young people to contribute to more equitable and sustainable agrifood systems.