Agro Woman Mentoring 2024 is a program aimed at supporting the professional development of women in the agri-food sector. It is part of the Agro Woman initiative for active women professionally involved in food production. The mentors in the program are representatives of the largest and most modern agri-food companies in Poland, as well as industry experts.
The initiator of Agro Woman is the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, which works to promote sustainable agriculture and food production in Poland. The mentoring program is aimed at women living in rural areas who independently or jointly run businesses related to food production or processing.
Applications are being accepted from March 19 to 31, 2024, and the first pilot edition of the program offers 16 spots for participants in the role of mentees. The program will include regular meetings between mentors and mentees, as well as expert sessions. Participation in the program is free and available both in-person and online, making it accessible to women who may not be able to attend in-person meetings.
For centuries, women have been a key part of farming operations both in Poland and across Europe. Today, they have a unique opportunity to drive change, face the challenges that agriculture is experiencing, and support each other in achieving success. Despite the significant role women play in agriculture, there is a deeply rooted stereotype in public and industry debate that farming is predominantly a male domain. In reality, a significant portion of farms in Poland are run by women – they lead, independently or jointly, one-third of farms in our country.
– says Karolina Tarnawska, Vice Chairwoman of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food.
The Agro Woman mentors are representatives of program partners and industry experts with professional experience in management, enabling them to share valuable knowledge, practical insights, and support participants on their individual career paths.
Agro Woman is an initiative that not only encourages women to take active roles but also promotes and highlights their contributions to agriculture and food production. The goal of our initiative is to make women’s work in agriculture and food production more attractive, addressing evolving social expectations. We want to support and promote the role of women so that their work is fulfilling, allows them to pursue their ambitions, and brings them economic benefits commensurate with their skills and dedication.
– emphasizes Małgorzata Bojańczyk, Director of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food.
Applications for the Agro Woman Mentoring 2024 program can be submitted via the form on the Agro Woman website until March 31, 2024. The pilot edition of the program is planned for six months and will conclude on October 15, 2024.
Agro Woman is an initiative of the Polish Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, designed to create a platform for women to share their experiences, stories, and a space for discussions about the role of sustainability in agriculture, innovations, management, and future challenges.