Empowering women through innovation in Mediterranean agro-food systems
10 to 12 June 2025, Zaragoza – Women play a fundamental role in Mediterranean agro-food systems, being actively involved in agriculture, fisheries, and rural development, and generating essential economic activity in many areas of the region. Even though significant progress has been made in the last decade, there is still much work to be done to empower women and strengthen their engagement in these sectors. The International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies in Spain (CIHEAM Zaragoza) and Union for the Mediterranean (UfM), with the collaboration of CIHEAM General Secretariat and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), are organising the International Symposium “Women’s Empowerment through Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-Food Systems” from 10 to 12 June in Zaragoza.
The symposium set out to assess the status of women as entrepreneurs, innovators and leaders in Mediterranean agro food systems; identify barriers hindering their full participation; showcase good practices and cooperative models that foster gender equitable innovation; and forge partnerships among public bodies, international organisations, civil society and the private sector to scale successful initiatives.
The event gathered more almost delegates representing Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, Spanish cooperation agencies, International organisations (FAO, OECD, European Commission, EESC, PRIMA, ICARDA, IWMI, GWPMed), Academic and research institutions, Civilsociety organisations and privatesector stakeholders from across the Mediterranean basin.
UfM Deputy Secretary General, UfM Stephen Borg, called for gendersensitive budgeting and policy design across the entire agrofood value chain. CIHEAM Zaragoza Director Raúl Compés emphasised the “ripple effect” of female entrepreneurship on family welfare, education and community resilience. AECID Deputy Director for Cooperation with the Arab World and Asia. Luisa M. García presented Masar al’an / Masar Now, AECID’s regional programme integrating biodiversity, youth and gender equality into Mediterranean agrofood strategies.
The symposium highlighted how women are transforming Mediterranean agro-food systems through practical, scalable innovations. From rural waste-to-fertiliser projects like Ms Noura Abdelwahab’s (IWMI) Black Soldier Fly initiative, to Dr Yosra Ahmed’s methane reduction in Egypt and Nouha Ben Zbir’s whey-based sourdough, participants showcased how women are addressing sustainability, productivity, and nutrition.
The UfM-led workshop emphasised the role of cooperatives, digital tools, circular economy practices, and capacity-building initiatives—such as FoodSight, the Amal culinary training centre, and IWMI’s business models—in expanding women’s participation in agriculture. GRASS CEILING’s Living Labs exemplified how structured, localised environments can empower women to co-create solutions.
However, challenges remain, particularly in finance, digital skills, and policy alignment. Cross-sector collaboration and targeted investment are vital to scaling these efforts and creating systemic impact.
