KATHMANDU, MARCH 26

Heifer International has launched a regional campaign titled "She Has a Story to Tell. Are You Listening?" aimed at amplifying the voices and leadership of women farmers across Asia.

The campaign was unveiled through a virtual event connecting women farmers, policymakers, investors, media, and development partners from across the region. It aligns with the UN International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and seeks to reposition women as central actors in food systems and rural economies.

Originally launched in the United States on March 10, the initiative now focuses on Asia, featuring storytelling, public engagement, and advocacy to challenge traditional perceptions of women in agriculture. The regional launch included a short film titled "Who is a Woman Farmer?" and firsthand accounts from women farmers.

Neena Joshi, Senior Vice President for Asia Programs at Heifer International, stressed the importance of shifting narratives, noting that meaningful transformation in food systems begins with recognising and investing in women farmers. She said women are not merely participants but key economic drivers whose contributions remain undervalued.

Sharing her experience, Nepali farmer Samjhana Khadka said training and support helped her transition from subsistence farming to becoming an agripreneur, improving her income and social standing. Similarly, Cambodian farmer and cooperative leader Sorn Pov highlighted increased financial stability and collective savings achieved through group-based initiatives.

Keynote speaker Reehana Rifat Raza, Regional Director for Asia Pacific at the International Fund for Agricultural Development, pointed to systemic inequalities, noting that policies are often designed without adequately consulting women farmers. She cited Nepal as a positive example, where women account for a significant share of cooperative leadership roles.

Dr Prasun Kumar Das, Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association, underscored the structural barriers faced by women farmers, including limited access to finance and markets alongside unpaid care responsibilities.

Campaign ambassador Prajakta Koli emphasised the power of storytelling in driving awareness and change, questioning why women farmers are often spoken about but rarely heard.

Heifer International said the campaign aims to reshape global understanding of farming by recognising women as decision-makers and entrepreneurs rather than invisible labour. It also seeks to encourage greater investment, policy support, and inclusive financial systems.

Globally, women make up a significant share of the agricultural workforce, particularly in South Asia, yet their contributions remain under-recognised. Heifer noted that closing gender gaps in agriculture could significantly boost global GDP, improve food security, and strengthen rural economies.

The organisation, which has supported nearly 60 million people worldwide since 1944, said it will continue to work with women farmers across Asia to expand access to markets, finance, tools, and training through the campaign.