Women’s empowerment and innovation in Mediterranean agro-food systems symposium
10- 12 June 2025, Zaragoza, Spain. The Women’s Empowerment and Innovation in Mediterranean Agro-Food Systems symposium, co-hosted by the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), and the Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) with the support of the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), will be held in Zaragoza, Spain, from 10 to 12 June 2025. The event will also offer the option to attend online.
Global agro-food systems are confronted with the monumental task of feeding a growing population while preserving natural resources and associated ecosystem services. These challenges are particularly acute in the Mediterranean region, recognized as one of the most vulnerable areas to climate change, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and food loss and waste. 
Innovation and entrepreneurship in agro-food systems are critical for social viability, environmental sustainability, and economic development in the Mediterranean. Holistic and intentional approaches are essential to transition to more sustainable and equitable agro-food systems, including addressing gender inequalities. Women play a pivotal role in agro-food systems, contributing significantly to inclusivity and resilience through their knowledge of local ecosystems and transformative roles in their communities.
Despite progress in gender equality, structural barriers persist within this field. By gathering various multilateral and national agro-food and rural development organizations, this symposium aims to address these challenges by exploring gender-transformative approaches that empower women and drive agro-food development. Through coordinated policies, we can ensure that the Mediterranean’s agro-food systems are fair, inclusive, and sustainable, benefiting the entire region.
Key objectives
- Identify and examine the main barriers women face in entrepreneurship and innovation within agricultural and rural contexts.
- Analyze international and national work programs to boost women-led innovation ecosystems.
- Build alliances to influence innovation through institutional cooperation.
In-person participation is limited. All sessions will be open to participation via streaming.
If you wish to receive the link to follow the event online, kindly register in the following form: https://www.iamz.ciheam.org/agendas/women-empowerment-through-innovation-in-mediterranean-agri-food-systems/
Inscriptions will be open from 1st of Abril until 9 of June.
