Women in Olive Industry

World Olive Day’s 2023 edition emphasized the crucial role of women in the olive oil sector, spanning from cultivation to consumption. UNESCO officially recognized World Olive Tree Day, observed on November 26, but this year’s celebration took place on November 23 at the International Olive Council (IOC) headquarters in Madrid.

Organized jointly by the IOC and the International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Studies (CIHEAM), the event featured collaboration with global women’s associations such as Women in Olive Oil, Pandolea, Donne dell’Olio, the Arab and Jordanian Olive Oil Women’s Network, and the Women & Olives LatAm Network.

Representatives from these women’s groups, along with members of the diplomatic corps in Madrid and officials from the IOC’s Council of Members, participated in the celebration.

Imene Trabelsi Trigui, head of the IOC’s promotion department, commended the efforts of women’s networks and emphasized their integral role in the olive oil value chain.

Women actively engage in various roles within the olive oil sector, including farming, tasting, production, culinary arts, research, teaching, and expertise. Their knowledge and experience play a vital role in the sector’s development, contributing to current and future generations.

The IOC aspires for World Olive Day to inspire women across member countries to establish female-led networks, reinforcing the significance of their work in the olive oil sector. The event featured various activities, including a tasting of traditional olive oil dishes, videos showcasing women’s diverse roles, and the announcement of winners in an international graphic artwork competition. The celebration concluded with the reading and signing of a manifesto advocating greater awareness and recognition of women’s contributions in the olive oil sector.

_{Repurposed article originally published in Olive Oil Times}