HSWT participates in the UN campaign „International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)“
The United Nations (UN) has declared 2026 the "International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026)". This year focuses on the important role of women in agricultural and food systems.
The IYWF 2026 aims to raise awareness and promote measures to eliminate gender-specific differences and improve the living conditions of women worldwide.
The Weihenstephan-Triesdorf University of Applied Sciences (HSWT) is participating in the IYWF 2026 with contributions from women working in Agriculture or in food systems. Regardless of their activities in teaching, research or day-to-day work on their own farm or in production - they all play an important role. Each month as part of IYWF 2026, HSWT will showcase women associated with the University of applied sciences who are making a vital contribution to the visibility of women in Agriculture and Food Systems. Existing and new event series will be integrated into the campaign, such as the Forum Triesdorf.
Josef Göppel Symposium centred on the IYWF
This year's Josef Göppel Symposium as part of the Triesdorfer Johannitag on 28 June 2026 will also be dedicated to the IYWF. Under the title „Strong women. Strong Agriculture.“, various female actors from the agricultural sector will provide insights into their activities and experiences. The open exchange with interested parties is also intended to break down stereotypical clichés and raise awareness of women in regional and international Agriculture.
Strengthening female students in Agriculture degree programmes
The HSWT promotes the development of students' talents in an open working and learning environment. It derives its strategies from the potential of their diversity and offers equal opportunities in all aspects. In the examination year 2025, the proportion of female graduates on Agriculture Bachelor's and Master's degree programmes at HSWT was 41%. In addition to the Bachelor's degree programmes in Agricultural Engineering, Agribusiness and Agriculture (Weihenstephan and Triesdorf), students can deepen their specialist knowledge in the Master's degree programmes in Agricultural Management, Applied Agricultural Sciences, Digital Farming, International Farm Management and the International Master in Agricultural Management and Regional Management.
Measures to promote women at the HSWT
The Commissioners for Equal Opportunities for Women in Science and the Arts at the HSWT represent the interests of women in the key committees of the University of applied sciences and organise programmes to promote women, such as BayernMentoring.
„The IYWF 2026 offers us at the HSWT the opportunity to show what steps we are taking at the University of applied sciences to prepare women for their future in the agricultural and food systems and to support them individually. We are delighted to be able to make many motivated and strong women in Agriculture visible as part of this campaign,“ says Prof Dr Jennifer Gerend, Commissioner for Equal Opportunities for Women in Science and the Arts at the University of Applied Sciences.
We would be happy to arrange an interview with the women featured each month or the HSWT Women's Representative.
