Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls. #GiveToGain
Amplifying Women’s Leadership voices, access to knowledge, land Justice to lead transformation in agroecology & agri-food systems in Africa
International Women’s Day is celebrated globally on 8th March & entire month of March. The IWD is one of the world’s most powerful advocacy moments for recognizing & amplying women contribution and call to action to actors in all sectors. In 2026, two interlocking themes define the day: the United Nations official theme Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls – and the global IWD campaign theme Give To Gain (#GiveToGain). Together, they make a single, urgent argument: progress toward gender equality is not an act of charity; it is intentional investment. When we give mentorship, knowledge, land, resources, visibility, and justice to women, everyone families, communities, food systems, and economies gains in return. ADS Western in partnership with PELUM Kenya & her partners implement the Africa Women Leaders in Agroecology (AWOLA) Program, and the Knowledge Hub for Organic Agriculture, will commemorate International Women’s Day 2026 through a high-level virtual webinar focused on advancing women’s leadership in agri-food systems, land justice, and amplifying women’s voices. Strengthening their leadership in agri-foods systems is essential for achieving equitable, resilient, and sustainable food systems transformation in spirit with the UN Theme & IWD theme Give To Gain for AWOLA.
When women thrive, we all rise
The theme suggests that progress requires contribution. Gains in equality, justice, and food systems transformation only happen when institutions, communities, and individuals are willing to give power, space, recognition, resources, and solidarity.
For women in agri-foods systems:
● When institutions give women land rights → communities gain food security
● When leaders give women a voice in policy spaces → systems gain accountability
● When women give leadership and innovation → nations gain sustainability
● When society gives equal opportunity → economies gain resilience
This creates a strong moral and systems-based narrative that aligns perfectly with ADS Western’s, AWOLA, KCOA & PELUM Network gender justice positioning. Through this International Women’s Day webinar, AWOLA and partners seek to create a platform that elevates women leaders, addresses land-related injustices, and fosters cross-sector dialogue on advancing gender-responsive agri-food systems through agroecology & organic agriculture
