FAO honours 100 Women Heroes driving change across agrifood systems

Global recognition celebrates women whose work is strengthening communities, advancing innovation and opening opportunities for future generations

FAO had announced 99 of the Women Heroes in the days leading up to the ceremony. During the event in Rome, the Organization revealed Yin Yuzhen of China as the 100th honouree, completing the group of women recognized for their contributions to agrifood systems and rural development.

Rome – The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) today honoured 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development, recognizing women from around the world whose work is making a difference across agrifood systems and rural communities.

The initiative was launched by FAO to mark the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. The event also coincides with the International Day of Rural Women celebrated annually on 15 October, to recognize the critical role and contribution of rural women in agriculture and rural development, food security and the eradication of rural poverty.

Opening the presentation ceremony at FAO headquarters in Rome, Director-General QU Dongyu paid tribute to the women being recognized and recalled the influence of his own grandmother, who raised him in a small village in China and taught him how to farm and cook, as well as the value of hard work, resilience and respect for the land.

Reflecting on the knowledge passed down through generations, QU said: “Everything I learned from her, she learned from the generations of women who came before her. And that is how knowledge changes the world.”

He then turned to the women honoured at the ceremony, highlighting their contributions as farmers, entrepreneurs, researchers, educators and community leaders working to protect biodiversity, create opportunities, advance innovation, share knowledge and strengthen resilience to hunger, poverty and climate change.