Baku: Gulbaniz Ganbarova, Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Rural Women's Association, has been chosen by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) as one of the inaugural participants of the 'FAO 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development' initiative. This recognition underscores the pivotal role played by Azerbaijani women in the agricultural sector and rural community advancement.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, FAO Director-General Qu Dongyu conveyed this honor in an official letter to Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov. Ganbarova was selected through a competitive global process that evaluated over 600 nominees from 131 countries. Her efforts in enhancing agrifood systems and improving rural living conditions, coupled with her leadership and innovative approaches, earned her this accolade.

The FAO acknowledged Ganbarova's leadership as a demonstration of the transformative impact women have as catalysts for sustainable agriculture and community resilience in rural areas. This international recognition not only celebrates her personal achievements but also highlights the global appreciation for her commitment to empowering Azerbaijani women as leaders, innovators, and change agents in agrifood systems.

This initiative is designed to emphasize the critical contributions of women towards developing more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems, aligning with the 2026 International Year of Women Farmers (IYWF). The awards ceremony is scheduled to occur during the World Food Forum at FAO Headquarters in Rome, Italy, from October 12-16.