On the occasion of today, International Women’s Day, I would like to take a moment to recognize the women of rural areas—the unsung heroines who breathe life into the social fabric of the countryside and serve as a driving force for the development and prosperity of their local communities.
As heads of agricultural enterprises, women have proven to be highly effective in implementing innovations, as they tend to take more calculated risks. At the same time, however, they are among those most affected by the devastating consequences of climate change and the challenges facing agricultural production.
Often, they bear a double burden: managing their households while also working on farms and family businesses. These responsibilities, combined with the challenges of rural life, significantly impact their physical and mental health and well-being.
At New Agriculture New Generation, we empower rural women by helping them unlock their full potential, providing them with knowledge, skills, and tools that enable them to grow personally and professionally while transforming their communities.
In 2024, 44% of the participants in our programs were women. Many of them have increased their income, established successful—even award-winning—businesses in the agri-food sector, and stepped up to take on leadership roles within their families and workplaces.
As an organization led by women, we deeply understand the needs, concerns, and aspirations of rural women.
We stand by them, amplify their voices, open new pathways, and work alongside them to build a brighter future—one where rural women thrive personally, professionally, and socially.
Happy International Women’s Day to all of us!
Effie Lazaridou
CEO, New Agriculture New Generation
