The EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Summit 2024, held on 21 November, brought together 150 women agripreneurs and stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to engage in meaningful discussions around overcoming funding challenges, embracing sustainable farming practices, and adapting to climate change and renewable energy solutions. The summit successfully demonstrated EmpowaWomen’s mandate to be a connector of people, ideas, and opportunities, fostering a vibrant space for collaboration, learning, and growth within the agricultural sector.
A highlight of the summit was EmpowaWomen’s strategic partnership with AgriSETA, which helped bring together thought leaders, government representatives, and industry professionals to facilitate impactful discussions on the future of women in agriculture. AgriSETA, known for its commitment to skills development and empowerment within the agricultural sector, provided the ideal platform for addressing the pressing issues that women in agriculture face today.
The event opened with an inspiring keynote address by Gaitsiwe Sharon Sepeng, Chairperson of the AgriSETA Board, who rallied the call for women to collaborate and support one another to catalyse their success in the agricultural sector. Sharon emphasized the importance of women’s inclusion across the entire value chain—highlighting the need for learning, skills development, funding, and innovation to drive sustainable change.
“Our collective strength lies in our ability to come together, to collaborate, and to amplify women’s voices and contributions in agriculture. Through our collective action, we can overcome barriers, unlock funding, and create an agricultural landscape where women thrive. Today is a testament to that power,” said Gaitsiwe Sharon Sepeng.
Sibongile Gangxa, Head of EmpowaWomen, reflected on the resounding success of the summit, noting how inspiring it was to see women exhibit their incredible produce and agroprocessed products. The diversity and creativity of women-led agribusinesses were on full display – from herbal teas to cannabis medicinals, therapeutic products, and even winemaking. This, she emphasised, was exactly in line with EmpowaWomen’s mission to facilitate women’s economic participation across industries, empowering them to take charge of their businesses and create sustainable livelihoods.
Seeing women come together at the AgriSETA EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Farmers Market, exchanging ideas, products, and even money between each other’s hands, was incredibly satisfying. The market, themed ‘Farmed by Women, Produced by Women, For Women,’ truly embodied the power of collaboration. Watching women dig into their pockets and trade organic products with one another was a powerful reminder of the value we create when we support each other. This is how we grow together—by nurturing mutual support, fostering economic independence, and lifting each other up,” said Gangxa.
“Seeing women come together, exchange ideas, and trade their products with each other at the AgriSETA EmpowaWomen in Agriculture Farmers Market was truly inspiring. It shows the importance of collaboration and mutual support—proving that when women help each other, we create more value and grow together,” said Sibongile Gangxa.
Themes of Empowerment and Collaboration
Key themes included the challenges women face in accessing education, funding, and leadership opportunities, as well as the critical role they play in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Attendees explored innovative approaches to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in agriculture and discussed strategies to overcome systemic barriers.
The summit also underscored the importance of addressing the impacts of climate change on women in agriculture, while highlighting their unique ability to drive climate resilience through sustainable farming practices.
Looking Ahead
AgriSETA reaffirmed its commitment to fostering women-led agribusinesses, enhancing access to skills development, and promoting green technologies. The summit served as a catalyst for meaningful change, positioning women agripreneurs as leaders in transforming the agricultural sector.
The summit also featured thought-provoking sessions from industry experts who shared invaluable insights on the intersection of funding, innovation, and sustainability in agriculture.
