Chief Executive Officer of the Cereal Millers Association, Paloma Fernandes, is among Kenyan women who have been nominated for the FAO 100 Women Heroines of 2026, a global recognition programme under the Food and Agriculture Organization’s International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 initiative.
In a statement on June 22, the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock Development, stated that the recognition honours women whose leadership, innovation and contributions are helping transform agriculture and food systems.
“Their nomination is a proud recognition of Kenya’s outstanding women leaders who are driving innovation, strengthening value chains, empowering farmers and advancing food security across the continent, while inspiring the next generation of women in agriculture,” read part of the statement.
Paloma and Other Women Nominated for FAO Global 100 Women Heroines
According to the Agriculture Ministry, their nomination spotlights Kenya’s role in advancing agricultural innovation, strengthening value chains, promoting food security and supporting farmer empowerment across Africa.
The nominees are Paloma Fernandes, Chief Executive Officer of the Cereal Millers Association; Jane Maigua, CEO of Exotic EPZ and immediate former chairperson of the Macadamia Nuts Association of Kenya; Zipporah Gitonga of Mazao Na Afya Agrochemicals; Wanjiru Kamau-Rutenberg, Africa Managing Director at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT/CGIAR; and Sheila Komen-Keino, CEO of Sustain Africa.
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About FAO 100 Women Heroines Honour
The International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF 2026) is a United Nations initiative declared to spotlight the central role women play in global agrifood systems.
It showcases women’s contributions across farming, food processing, distribution and agricultural trade, while drawing attention to the persistent inequalities they face.
The initiative was introduced during the 39th Session of the FAO Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean (LARC39) in Brasília.
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It aims to raise awareness of structural challenges affecting women in agriculture and to encourage governments and partners to implement policies, investments and reforms that close gender gaps in the sector.
According to the UN, Women make up a significant share of the agrifood workforce, particularly in processing and marketing activities, yet many continue to face limited access to land, finance, technology and decision-making opportunities.
As part of this broader effort, the Food and Agriculture Organization promotes recognition programmes such as the 100 Women Heroines initiative, which honours women leading innovation and transformation in agriculture, agribusiness, research and food policy worldwide.
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FAO 2026 Heroines Nominees CEO Zipporah Gitonga and Wanjiru Kamau PHOTO/Ministry of Agriculture
