Women’s Leadership in FAO: Celebrating Leadership Across Eight Decades

For over eighty years, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has dedicated itself to building a better world and transforming global food systems, with women playing a pivotal role from its earliest days. Although their contributions were not always visible in the public eye, women have consistently provided essential expertise, leadership, and service that helped shape the organization's work worldwide. Across generations, these women served as scientists, technical experts, managers, country representatives, senior advisors, and more, breaking new ground and opening doors that defined FAO's evolution. Each of their achievements has become an integral part of the institution's history, collectively telling a story of growth driven by female talent, commitment, and leadership. Today, women lead across every sector of FAO, influencing everything from science and innovation to emergency response, country offices, partnerships, and global policy. This enduring legacy is further supported by the FAO Women's Committee, which was established in 2019 under the leadership of Director-General Qu Dongyu alongside the Youth Committee. The first chair of this committee was Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo, and its creation aimed to strengthen engagement, dialogue, and participation throughout the organization. Over the years, these committees have significantly contributed to making FAO a better place by fostering a more inclusive and collaborative environment among colleagues from all backgrounds. As the Women's Committee enters a new chapter under the chairmanship of Deputy Director-General Beth Bechdol, the focus has shifted toward recognizing excellence, strengthening leadership capabilities, and promoting professional growth for women within the organization. This new phase emphasizes connecting colleagues across the entire institution to ensure that female voices continue to drive positive change. For eight decades, women have helped shape FAO through their unwavering dedication, specialized knowledge, and service, ensuring that the organization remains responsive to global challenges while advancing equity in food systems. The narrative of women's leadership at FAO is far from over; instead, it continues to unfold with each new generation ready to build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors. The current chapter belongs to those who will carry forward this legacy, shaping a future where female leadership is even more prominent and impactful. As the organization looks ahead, the commitment to empowering women remains central to its mission, ensuring that the story of FAO continues to be defined by the diverse talents and contributions of its female members. The journey of the last eighty years serves as both an inspiration and a roadmap for the work that lies ahead.