Paris, October 2024 – The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is proud to announce the release of the IDF Women in Dairy Report 2024 during the Women in Dairy Roundtable held at the IDF Business Meetings, just ahead of the IDF World Dairy Summit 2024 in Paris. This pivotal report highlights the substantial contributions of women within the global dairy sector and underscores how women’s empowerment is critical to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, which seeks to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

Through the dedicated work of the IDF Task Force on Women in Dairy, IDF is committed to fostering gender equality and strengthening women’s roles across all facets of the dairy value chain. From farming and industry to science, policy, and governance, IDF initiatives are designed to raise awareness of the invaluable impact women have on the dairy sector. A key part of this mission is the IDF Women in Dairy Knowledge Hub, which showcases the achievements of women in dairy worldwide, providing role models and inspiration for current and future generations.

The IDF Women in Dairy Report 2024 is the second edition of this landmark publication and celebrates the transformative role of women in the global dairy sector. The report features 16 case studies from across all continents, including two examples with global reach, demonstrating the varied ways in which the dairy sector supports women’s empowerment. These case studies highlight how dairy contributes to improved nutrition, family income, livelihoods, educational opportunities, and community sustainability.

“The IDF Women in Dairy Report illustrates how women in the dairy sector are driving progress and fostering well-being in their communities, while also contributing to the overall sustainability of our sector,” said Laurence Rycken, Director General of IDF. “From local communities to international platforms, women are at the forefront of innovation and growth in dairy.”

The report is part of IDF’s ongoing efforts to ensure women’s contributions to the dairy sector are recognized, valued, and supported. It amplifies the visibility of their work and highlights the essential role that gender equality plays in achieving sustainable development in the food system.

Looking ahead, IDF remains committed to advancing SDG 5 by deepening its engagement with women in dairy, showcasing the evidence linking women’s empowerment and food systems transformation, and continuing to inspire women around the world.

“Women are key to unlocking the full potential of the dairy sector,” Rycken added. “I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the contributors and advocates who are helping to ensure that women and girls continue to thrive in dairy and beyond.”

About the International Dairy Federation
The International Dairy Federation (IDF) is the leading source of scientific and technical expertise for all stakeholders of the dairy chain. Its mission is to promote the development of sustainable, safe, and nutritious dairy products worldwide.