The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has recognized 100 influential women from around the world for their contributions to agrifood systems. These women are driving meaningful change across agriculture, food production, rural development, and local communities. Among those selected is Azadeh Ahmadi, an Iranian entrepreneur and rural development advocate.
The initiative was launched as part of the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 and coincided with the International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on October 15. The recognition ceremony took place during the 2026 World Food Forum at FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.
FAO Initiative Recognizes Women Driving Change in Agrifood Systems
Through its 100 Women Heroes initiative, FAO aims to highlight the contributions of women who are transforming agrifood systems and supporting sustainable rural development. The initiative recognizes women working across different areas of the food sector, including food production, processing, entrepreneurship, innovation, research, and community empowerment.
The significance of this initiative lies in the fact that agrifood systems extend far beyond agricultural production. They encompass a wide range of interconnected activities, from the production of raw materials and food processing to distribution, marketing, and ensuring access to food for consumers.
Women’s participation across these value chains can contribute significantly to economic development, job creation, food security, and improved living conditions in rural communities.
According to FAO, the organization received 609 nominations from 131 member countries following its global call for nominations. After an evaluation and selection process, the final list of 100 women was approved by FAO’s senior leadership committee.
Azadeh Ahmadi: An Iranian Entrepreneur Among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes
One of the women featured on the list is Azadeh Ahmadi, an entrepreneur and rural development advocate based in Isfahan, Iran, and the founder of the spice brand Sha’sha’eh (Shashae).
Ahmadi’s professional journey demonstrates how a small, home-based business can evolve into a licensed food manufacturing operation. By combining business innovation with a commitment to women’s economic empowerment, she transformed her initial activities into a formal food production enterprise and established a brand offering a diverse range of spice products.
Today, products under the Shashae brand are available not only in the Iranian market but also in international markets. Her journey illustrates how small, locally established businesses can expand beyond their initial markets when supported by product development, quality, and effective business planning.
However, what makes Ahmadi’s work particularly noteworthy goes beyond building a commercial brand. A central part of her activities has been creating employment opportunities for female heads of households and rural women.
By enabling these women to participate in home-based production activities, she has helped them generate income, strengthen their financial independence, and improve their families’ livelihoods.
The Role of Women in the Future of the Food Industry and Sustainable Development
Initiatives such as Ahmadi’s demonstrate that the development of the food industry depends on more than production technologies, industrial investment, or access to raw materials. Human resource development, support for local businesses, equal economic opportunities, and community empowerment are also essential drivers of sustainable growth.
Women play an important role across many stages of agrifood value chains. However, creating greater opportunities for their participation in management, entrepreneurship, food processing, and market development can generate significant economic and social value.
FAO’s recognition of 100 influential women worldwide provides an opportunity to bring these contributions into the spotlight and highlight the importance of women’s participation in shaping the future of agrifood systems.
The inclusion of an Iranian entrepreneur on this global list also demonstrates how local initiatives, even those that begin as small businesses, can create an impact that extends far beyond their geographical boundaries.
