Natal opens space for rural women's leadership during an International Workshop promoted by UNICAFES Brazil and Ascafes.

May 29, 2026

The strength of women family farmers in cooperatives.

The strength of women farmers, cooperativism, and the development of public policies for the countryside gained voice, emotion, and prominence at the opening of the International Workshop "Cooperative Family Farmers: Sowing a More Prosperous, Equal, Just, and Sustainable Future," held in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte.

Promoted by UNICAFES Brazil, the meeting brings together family farmers from various regions of the country, representatives from ministries of the Federal Government, social movements, political leaders and partner organizations in a large national and international mobilization in defense of rural women.

The opening ceremony was marked by powerful, moving, and meaningful speeches about resistance, equality, economic autonomy, and the empowerment of women farmers in cooperatives. The event reinforced the need to strengthen permanent public policies aimed at rural women, guaranteeing more opportunities, income, dignity, and participation in decision-making spaces.

The president of the UNICAFES Brazil Confederation, Fátima Torres, highlighted that the meeting symbolizes a historic moment for women in family farming. According to her, female leadership is already transforming territories, boosting local economies, and strengthening cooperativism throughout the country.

“We are talking about women who produce food, care for the land, preserve traditional knowledge, and support their communities. This workshop is a space for collective construction, for strengthening women, and for hope for a more just and sustainable future,” she stated.

The Secretary for Women of UNICAFES Brazil, Sandra Bergamin, also highlighted the importance of unity among female family farmers and the creation of support networks and political empowerment.

“When a rural woman achieves autonomy, the entire community grows along with her. We need to ensure that these women have access to public policies, credit, marketing, technical assistance, and leadership opportunities. This meeting shows that women farmers are not alone and that their voice needs to be heard throughout Brazil,” Sandra emphasized.

The opening ceremony was also attended by the governor of Rio Grande do Norte, Fátima Bezerra, state representative Isolda Dantas, and representatives from various ministries of the Federal Government, reinforcing the institutional commitment to the agendas of rural women, family farming, and cooperativism.

During the speeches, the importance of women in food production, environmental preservation, food security, and the sustainable development of rural areas was emphasized. The speeches also highlighted the daily challenges faced by female family farmers, such as unequal access to credit, the invisibility of women's work, violence, and difficulties accessing markets.

The workshop takes place within the program of the International Year of Women Farmers, proclaimed by the United Nations (UN), strengthening the global debate on gender equality, social justice and the empowerment of women in agri-food systems.

Throughout the program, the event will feature panels on cooperativism, female entrepreneurship, rural youth, succession in agriculture, climate change, productive inclusion, market access, care policies, and combating violence against women.

More than just a space for debate, the workshop transforms into a territory of listening, support, and collective construction. Women from different states share experiences, challenges, and common dreams, showing that cooperativism and collective organization remain fundamental paths to transforming lives and strengthening the Brazilian countryside.

In every speech, applause, and encounter, the event reaffirms a powerful message: the future of family farming necessarily lies in the hands of women.

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