Meat Business Women Founder and Global Chair Laura Ryan has been named as one of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ inaugural 100 Women Heroes in Agrifood Systems and Rural Development.
Laura, the only UK recipient, was recognised at a ceremony in Rome this week during the World Food Forum.
The 100 Women Heroes initiative forms part of the UN’s International Year of the Woman Farmer and celebrates women making an extraordinary contribution to agriculture, food systems and rural development around the world. Laura was selected from hundreds of nominations spanning more than 130 countries, in recognition of her leadership, dedication and impact.
Qu Dongyu, Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), said:
“Through your work, you have demonstrated how women are transforming agrifood systems, improving rural livelihoods, protecting natural resources, empowering communities, and creating opportunities for future generations.”
Meat Business Women is a global professional community for women across the meat and wider food industry, with more than 60 industry partners.
Through mentoring, networking and professional development, Meat Business Women works proactively with businesses to build more inclusive workplaces that attract, develop and retain the best people.
Meat Business Women’s latest global Gender Representation Report provides a clear picture of progress across the food and meat industry, the barriers that remain, and the action needed to improve representation.
Its global Food Business Charter sets the ambition for women to represent 40% of the food manufacturing workforce by 2035, bringing businesses together behind a shared commitment to measurable progress.
Laura Ryan said:
“It was an enormous honour to be recognised by the UN FAO alongside such an inspiring group of women from across the world.
For me, this recognition is a moment to celebrate the Meat Business Women community, and the many businesses and individuals who have helped turn a shared ambition into meaningful progress. I’m really grateful to everyone who has been part of it.”Meat