Djaïli Amadou Amal patron of the international poetry and song competition launched on 8 March by COLEAD “Women farmers cultivate sustainable futures”

Would you like to take part? Click here

To mark the International Year of Women Farmers, proclaimed by the United Nations for 2026, COLEAD is launching ‘Voices from the Earth”, a global poetry and song competition, which aims to celebrate the essential role of women farmers in food security and rural development. The 2025/26 theme is therefore: ‘Women farmers cultivate sustainable futures’, fully in line with both the theme chosen by the United Nations and COLEAD’s mission.

The competition benefits from the exceptional patronage of Mrs Djaïli Amadou Amal for its launch, a Cameroonian woman of letters internationally committed to the cause of women.

Objectives of the 2025/26 competition

The main objective of “Voices from the Earth” is to help give a voice to those who are working towards a better world for human beings and their social, cultural and economic environment, and in particular the voice of the producers who feed humanity. More specifically, the initiative aims to contribute to:

• Raise awareness: Emphasise the importance of women farmers in reducing hunger and promoting sustainable economic, societal and environmental development.
• Celebrate: Honour their committed work and their driving role in the sustainable development of global agriculture.
• Inspire: Encourage and inspire the world to speak out in defence and promotion of the work of agricultural producers.
• Unite:Create a global platform for sharing experiences, cultures and values around a shared vision for a better and fairer world.

Official launch on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2025

The competition will be open from 8 March 2025 to all persons, with no age limit or geographical location. Participants may submit their work in one of the following categories:

• Poetry: Original texts in free or regular verse honouring female farmers and entrepreneurs in a sustainable world.
• Song: Original song lyrics or musical compositions honouring female farmers and entrepreneurs in a sustainable world.

A jury of experts in agriculture, art and communication will review the submissions based on their originality, relevance and impact.

Awards and recognition

Winners will receive special prizes, promotions and international events in 2026. The best poetry and song texts will be published in a book.

Why and how to participate?

This competition offers a unique opportunity for authors to contribute to a global movement aimed at highlighting the essential roles of women in agriculture and promoting the values of solidarity, diversity and sustainability. It’s only a short step from agriculture to culture!

Let’s celebrate women farmers all over the world and their invaluable contributions!

To participate, just click here

More information about the competition rules here.