Global Conference on the Role of Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS-2026) inaugurated

Exam-focused facts from the 15 March 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

President Droupadi Murmu addressed the inaugural session of GCWAS-2026 in New Delhi on 12 March 2026.
United Nations has declared 2026 as ‘The International Year of the Woman Farmer’.
GCWAS-2026 is jointly organised by Trust for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences (TAAS), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Consultative Group for International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) and Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Authority (PPV&FRA).
The three-day conference aims to deliberate on strengthening policy frameworks to mainstream gender participation in agri-food systems.
President stated that girls comprise over 50 percent of students in state agricultural universities and over 60 percent in many universities.
President urged greater role for women in agriculture in policy formulation, decision-making and leadership positions.
President highlighted initiatives promoting women-led Self-Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organisations as effective in women empowerment in agriculture.