Aqsa Mirwani: Balochistan’s Young Farmer Among UN FAO’s 100 Women Heroes
Aqsa Mirwani FAO women heroes: from the dusty fields of tehsil Jahoo in Awaran district, Balochistan, to the grand stage of the FAO headquarters in Rome. This week, a young farmer and social entrepreneur became the only Pakistani among participants from 131 countries to receive the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s 100 Women Heroes Award 2026.
Pakistani rural women at work in the fields. (Photo: Tahsin Shah / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0)
The award was presented by FAO Director General QU Dongyu at a ceremony in Rome on 15 October 2026. The event formed part of the World Food Forum. It also marked the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026. In total, 131 FAO Members submitted 609 nominations from around the world.
Aqsa Mirwani FAO Women Heroes Moment in Rome
For Aqsa, the Rome ceremony crowned years of quiet work. She walked onto the stage as a community leader from one of Pakistan’s most remote districts. Moreover, she carried the hopes of rural women across Balochistan.
The FAO 100 Women Heroes initiative recognises women across the agrifood value chain. It honours those who expand opportunities for others and strengthen food security. In addition, it celebrates women who preserve traditional knowledge and protect natural resources.
Roots in Jahoo, Awaran
Aqsa Mirwani hails from tehsil Jahoo in Awaran district, Balochistan. Indeed, she is a young farmer, a social entrepreneur and a community leader. Her work centres on the women and girls of her own community.
She has spent years supporting rural women and promoting girls’ education. Furthermore, she addresses the social and economic challenges that rural women face daily. The Aqsa Mirwani FAO women heroes journey began with this grassroots resolve.
Building Rural Enterprise
Beyond the fields, Aqsa is involved in agrifood enterprise development. She has taken part in export-readiness training through FAO-supported initiatives in Balochistan. As a result, she now runs a registered small and medium enterprise.
She is also part of a progressive farmers’ network in the province. Through this network, she shares knowledge with fellow growers. Consequently, her impact reaches far beyond her own farm.
Aqsa Mirwani FAO Women Heroes: Why It Matters
The honour has been hailed as a historic milestone for the women of Balochistan. Therefore, it places a young woman from Awaran on a global stage. For a province where rural women rarely make international headlines, the moment carries deep meaning.
The award also highlights the often invisible labour of women farmers. Across Pakistan, women form the backbone of agricultural work. Yet their contributions seldom receive formal acknowledgement.
An Inspiration Beyond Borders
Aqsa’s story offers a powerful message to girls in rural Pakistan. It shows that talent from the remotest districts can earn world recognition. Hard work, community spirit and courage can open doors anywhere.
As the International Year of the Woman Farmer continues, her example will inspire many more. From Jahoo to Rome, Aqsa Mirwani has shown what is possible. Indeed, the Aqsa Mirwani FAO women heroes story is only just beginning.
Source: Dawn. Read more about women breaking barriers in leadership.
