Linet is a Root Capital-funded intern working in the quality department at Sagana Nuts in Kenya. Credit: Adam Finch/Root Capital
Women make up over 50% of the agricultural workforce in many countries, playing a vital role in food production and rural economies. However, they face significant barriers, such as limited access to resources, education, and economic opportunities, which restrict their participation and impact the global economy. Harsh working conditions and increasing climate challenges make it even more difficult for women to thrive.
Root Capital launched the Women in Agriculture Initiative (WAI) in 2012 to help close these gender gaps and help women access essential resources for their livelihoods. Over the past decade, we’ve invested $700 million in gender-inclusive and women-led enterprises, impacting over 600,000 women employees and farmers around the world.
Our WAI Annual Report highlights key activities and accomplishments from the last 18 months. In that time, we have:
- provided financing to 159 women-led or gender-inclusive enterprises;
- loaned over $125 million in business capital;
- increased the number of clients reached by Gender Equity Advisory (GEA) services by 329%; and
- established three Women’s Councils, with representatives from nearly every country where we operate.
Our Progress Towards 2025 Goals
A special thank you to the Ansara Family Fund, Legacy Collective, Pilot House Philanthropy, Visa Foundation, Wagner Foundation, Walmart Foundation, and our growing community of dedicated gender equity funders for making our WAI work possible.
To learn more about advancing gender equity in agriculture across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia, read the full report. Encuentre el informe en español aquí.