UN General Assembly Declares 2026 International Year of Women Farmers

• The UN General Assembly declared 2026 as the International Year of Women Farmers to recognize their contributions and address challenges.
• The initiative aims to promote gender equality and empower women farmers by focusing on land ownership, financial resources, market access, and technology.
• Local 18 highlighted inspiring women farmers in Telangana, like Gounikadi Shanthamma, who manages 2 acres, runs a dairy business, and educates her children.
• Katam Indiramma, another farmer from Telangana, has been farming for 30 years, managing 3 acres independently after her husband's death, and supporting her children's education.

Why It Matters: UN's 2026 declaration recognizes and empowers women farmers worldwide.