As part of the IV International Forum “Woman of the Third Millennium”, which was held on November 18-19 at the GlavUpDK Cultural Center under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia, a key session was held on the role of women in the agro-industrial complex. The event, organized by the International Union of Women with the support of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Russian Federation, brought together successful leaders, community activists and traditional keepers from all over the country. They discussed how women’s leadership is becoming the basis for the integrated development of rural areas in Russia.
The discussion was moderated by Suren Vardanyan, Executive Director of the Forum-exhibition “AGROBRICS+”. Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation on Foreign Economic Activity. Deputy Head of the Working group on financing Industrial enterprises The Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Russian Federation on Financial, Industrial and Investment Policy. Co-Chairman of the Investment Council under the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights of Entrepreneurs of Moscow, and Co-moderator, key speaker Andrey Tutarikov, Head of the Rural Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Agriculture of Russia. They noted that the topic of women’s entrepreneurship in agriculture goes far beyond production, becoming a powerful social and cultural driver.
From effective agribusiness to a global perspective
The tone of the discussion was set by Rima Safiullova, Vice-President of the International Union of Women and head of Tatarstan’s leading agricultural enterprises. In her speech, she revealed the topic of new growth opportunities, emphasizing that a modern woman in the agro-industrial complex combines the highest production efficiency with deep social responsibility towards her territories.
Olga Starovoitova, FAO representative, added an international context by highlighting global trends and UN approaches to strengthening the role of women in agriculture as a key factor in achieving food security and sustainable development.
Rural tourism and private housing: new formats of sustainability
Success stories in the field of rural tourism have become a vivid illustration of the thesis about the versatility of the women’s approach.
Natalia Gruzdeva (“Well-fed Dusya”, Ivanovo region), using the example of her project, showed how a peasant farm is becoming a center of socio-cultural development, attracting tourists and new personnel to the village.
-
Фото: anisimovp.ru -
Nadezhda Karisalova (Khutor Spassky, Moscow Region) demonstrated how a successful tourism cluster can be created on the basis of a sheep breeding complex, opening up new financial and educational opportunities.
Фото: anisimovp.ru -
Yulia Ivanova (Skorodumovka Village, Tatarstan) told how modern agriculture can be harmoniously combined with respect for historical heritage and cultural traditions, creating a unique space for living and recreation.
Фото: anisimovp.ru
The performance was particularly warm and fundamental. Albina Andreeva (Andreev Estate, Samara region), winner of the Family of the Year 2025 contest. She proved by personal example that a private subsidiary farm is not just a source of food, but the cornerstone of social stability, a strong family and the preservation of native Russian traditions in the countryside.
Community service and personnel: a look into the future
She spoke about the role of system support and joining forces. Margarita Maslennikova (Voronezh region). As the head of the Women’s Council and a member of the Civic Chamber, she highlighted the importance of creating public institutions that help rural women defend their interests and implement socially significant projects.
The acute problem of personnel shortage has been raised Stella Khalikova-Brundukova, owner of the agricultural holding “Kukmorchanka” and mother of four children. She shared her vision and practical steps to involve young people in agriculture, emphasizing that it is a woman leader who combines business and motherhood and can become the best example and mentor for a new generation.
Results: Women as integrators of development
The participants of the session came to a common opinion: a modern woman in the agro–industrial complex is an integrator of development. It successfully combines the management of high-tech production, the development of agrotourism, the preservation of the cultural code, the strengthening of the institution of the family and the solution of acute social problems such as employment and the consolidation of youth in rural areas.
The experience presented at the session clearly showed that investing in women in agriculture is an investment in a sustainable, multifaceted and viable future for Russian rural areas. The discussion was an important step in consolidating the efforts of the women’s community, the government and international organizations to achieve these goals.
