Empowering Women in Agrifood: key outcomes from the “From Field to Leader” educational workshops in Poland
In November 2024, EIT Food North-East, in collaboration with Danone and the Hentoku Development Institute, hosted the groundbreaking “From Field to Leader” educational workshops for Polish female farmers. This initiative aimed to empower women in the agrifood sector, fostering leadership, problem-solving skills, and community connections.
Unique learning experience
Held in Polish cities of Poznań and Paniówki, the workshops brought together 54 participants from diverse farming backgrounds. These women engaged in dynamic sessions combining practical exercises, expert presentations, and networking opportunities. Activities such as the “Rubik's Cube” and “Treasure Map” games emphasized collaboration, communication, and solution-focused thinking.
Adding depth and value to the workshops was the involvement of distinguished external experts and alumni from the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme. These experts shared their journeys, offering practical insights into leadership, innovation, and resilience. Participants were inspired by their stories of overcoming challenges, driving change, and creating meaningful impacts in their communities.
Key Learning Outcomes:
- Mastery of a four-step problem-solving model applicable to professional and personal contexts.
- Enhanced decision-making skills through insightful questioning.
- The ability to apply a solution-focused mindset to real-world challenges.
Building a strong network
The workshops underscored the importance of networking among women in agriculture. Through group discussions, paired exercises, and informal interactions, participants exchanged experiences, shared strategies, and built lasting connections. This vibrant exchange of ideas and support fostered collaboration, creating a community of women united by a shared purpose: to lead and innovate in the agrifood sector.
“Meeting other women with similar challenges was inspiring and created a sense of camaraderie.”
Real impact on participants’ development
Participants noted significant growth in their leadership skills and self-confidence. Pre- and post-workshop surveys highlighted substantial improvements, with knowledge scores increasing by over 50% on average. They also valued the insights and practical advice shared by the external experts, which enriched the learning experience.
Broader implications for the agrifood sector
These workshops not only empowered individual participants but also showcased the potential for women to drive innovation and resilience in the agrifood industry. By addressing gender disparities and enhancing skills, the initiative contributes to a more inclusive and sustainable sector.
Next steps
Building on the success of this pilot, EIT Food North-East plans to expand the activity to reach more female farmers across Poland and beyond. This initiative represents a crucial step towards creating a thriving, equitable agrifood industry.
“The opportunity to exchange experiences helped me find practical solutions for my daily challenges.”
About Danone
Danone is a leader in creating high-quality, tasty and valuable dairy products and plant-based products. They are produced using carefully selected raw materials, expert knowledge and many years of experience. Recognising the changing needs and preferences of consumers, the company is constantly developing its offer. All this to make it easier to make better food choices every day. The first Danone products appeared in Poland in 1991. Today, the company employs over 1,500 people, and its heart is in the production plant in Bieruń. This is where yoghurts and cheeses are produced, which are sold on the domestic market and to over 20 other countries in Europe and the United States.
Danone is part of the DANONE group of companies. In Poland, DANONE operates in 3 areas that are important for proper nutrition: dairy products and plant-based products (Danone), water and beverages (Żywiec Zdrój), specialist nutrition, including food for infants and young children and food for special medical purposes (Nutricia Polska). All companies in the DANONE group of companies are united by a dual commitment to sustainable economic and social development and a mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible. Through the products offered and the projects and programs implemented - in line with the common vision of One Planet. One Health - DANONE companies encourage making the right food choices every day, and also contribute to the health of future generations and a better state of our planet. In 8 locations in the country, over 3,000 people are employed, developing professionally in a safe and friendly work environment.
Learn more about DANONE group of companies on https://danone.pl/en/
About Hentoku Development Institute
A team of coaches, facilitators, consultants and trainers whose mission is to support leaders in their development. They believe in a holistic approach to change and development, addressing the cause of a given challenge instead of treating the symptoms associated with it. "Most of us already know that knowledge and "technical" skills are not always enough to work effectively and achieve the best results for the company, and strengthening psychological competences and equipping them with practical tools is a must."
Learn more about Hentoku Development Institute on https://www.hentoku.pl/
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