Women increase leadership roles in Brazil's agricultural sector

Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within Brazil's agricultural sector, moving from behind-the-scenes support to strategic management and agroecological stewardship. In the Amazon, women play a critical role in preserving traditional knowledge, protecting biodiversity, and ensuring food sovereignty through agroecology. Initiatives like the ‘Women in Agroecology and Food Sovereignty’ mobilization by REPAM-Brasil aim to highlight these women as guardians of the environment and community autonomy.

Nationally, data from the IBGE Agricultural Census reflects this shift. The percentage of agricultural establishments managed by women rose from 12.7% in 2006 to 19% in 2017, representing nearly one million properties. This transition from traditional field labor to rural business administration is driving innovation and sustainable growth within the agribusiness sector.