In observance of International Women’s Day (IWD) on March 8th, Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) joins the global community in honouring the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide.
IWD serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality and a catalyst for inspiring change.
This year’s theme, #InspireInclusion, resonates deeply with the Sasakawa Africa Association’s (SAA) Vision and mission to support Africa in fulfilling its aspirations of building resilient and sustainable food systems by catalyzing knowledge sharing and enabling food, nutrition, and income security in their communities.
Recognizing the immense contributions women are making in agriculture, a sector where their dedication and innovation are often overlooked. From managing small farms to leading agricultural businesses, women are a cornerstone of food security and rural development.
SAA’s agricultural extension strategies, including Regenerative Agriculture (RA), Nutrition-Sensitive Agriculture (NSA), and Market-Oriented Agriculture (MOA), prioritize inclusivity. The organization actively works to eliminate barriers hindering women’s access to resources, training, and leadership opportunities.
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Beyond imparting agricultural techniques, SAA’s gender mainstreaming training equips women with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive, fostering confidence in business development, marketing, entrepreneurship, fostering confidence and self-reliance.
Speaking at an event in Abuja, SAA Country Director, Dr. Godwin Atser, passionately states: “Imagine the possibilities when women’s brilliance, dedication, and innovation are fully unleashed in agriculture.
“This International Women’s Day, let’s not just acknowledge the challenges; let’s inspire action towards a future where women are not only included but celebrated as leaders in shaping a more sustainable and prosperous food system.”
Dr Atser said, “We continue to build a truly inclusive agricultural sector, we unlock a multitude of benefits. This includes unprecedented advancements in agricultural productivity and economic empowerment for women, enhanced food security and improved nutrition for families and communities, and the creation of a more resilient and innovative agricultural landscape.”
As efforts to build an inclusive agricultural sector continue, SAA envisions a multitude of benefits, including enhanced productivity, economic empowerment for women, improved food security and nutrition, and a more resilient agricultural landscape.
SAA extends its call to action to all stakeholders, urging governments, development partners, agricultural organizations, and individual farmers to join in creating an environment where women can thrive and their contributions are valued and celebrated. Together, let’s cultivate a future where agriculture flourishes through diversity and inclusivity.
