Seminar

Rural women and agroecology: barriers, invisibility and alternatives

November 24, 2026, 18h00-20h00 (GMT)

Online

Women play a central role in family farming, food production and the sustainability of rural areas. However, their work often remains invisible and is characterised by inequalities in access to land, income, social protection and decision-making forums.

This seminar aims to reflect on the main challenges faced by rural women and explore the potential of agroecology to promote greater recognition, economic autonomy, political participation and gender justice. Bringing together researchers, activists and professionals with extensive experience of working with rural communities and women, the aim is to discuss persistent obstacles, share experiences and identify ways to build more sustainable and equitable food systems.

Guiding question: What are the main obstacles faced by women in family farming and how can agroecology contribute to their economic, social and political autonomy?


Speakers

Cristina Amaro da Costa is a lecturer at the School of Agricultural Sciences of the Polytechnic Institute of Viseu and a researcher in the fields of agroecology, family farming and sustainable food systems. She coordinated the MAIS and PAGE projects, which are dedicated to highlighting the role of women in agriculture, preserving rural knowledge and promoting innovation led by women and young people in rural areas.

Joana Dias is a programme coordinator at ACTUAR – Association for Cooperation and Development – and a specialist in sustainable food systems, rural development and international cooperation, with extensive experience in projects across Europe, Africa and Latin America.

Emma Siliprandi is a researcher and one of the leading figures in feminist agroecology in Latin America. She has carried out academic and advocacy work with rural women’s organisations, social movements, universities and international bodies, including the FAO, contributing to the strengthening of women’s struggles for recognition, autonomy and social justice.


An event forming part of the ‘Agroecology, Rural Women and Feminisms’ seminar series, as part of the resaerch project URGE – Cultivating Equality: Rural Women, Food Systems and Agroecology in the Iberian Peninsula, which aims to create a space for debate, critical reflection and the sharing of experiences on the relationships between agroecology, feminisms and rural communities.

Jointly organised by CES and DINAMIA-CET-Iscte

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This activity will be provided through Zoom platform and does not require registration. Participation is limited to the number of places available >> https://zoom.us/j/82657461320 | ID: 826 5746 1320 | Password: 877691

Please keep the microphone on mute until the discussion is open. The host may remove disruptive participants.

Open activities conducted in digital format, such as this one, do not provide a certificate of attendance, as such documentation is only issued for events that include access and participation control by the institution.