The Center for the Study of Global Gender Equity and the College of ACES Office of International Programs are happy to partner in a series of campus events
showcasing the International Year of the Woman Farmer.
The International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 aims to raise awareness of the role of women in agrifood systems and the challenges they face.
Events for the International Year of the Woman Farmer
Sep. 10, 2026: Ruth Meinzen-Dick, "Research Frontiers on Empowerment of Women Farmers"
Thursday, September 10th
4pm
210 Illini Union, 1401 W. Green Street
This presentation will discuss advances in understanding the empowerment of women farmers and addressing their needs. Beginning with the conceptual foundations of empowerment, Ruth Meinzen-Dick will reflect on experiences in developing the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index and associated tools for measuring gender gaps and impacts of programs. She will then review research and progress on women’s land rights, technologies, and women’s voice in governance. Concluding remarks will identify further critical research, programmatic, and policy needs.
Ruth Meinzen-Dick is a Research Fellow Emeritus at the International Food Policy Research Institute. She has extensive transdisciplinary research experience in using qualitative and quantitative research methods. Her work focuses on two broad (and sometimes interrelated) areas: how institutions affect how people manage natural resources, and the role of gender in development processes.