Multan art exhibition highlights women farmers and climate resilience

Women farmers and their contribution to food production rural livelihoods and climate resilience were highlighted at a three-day art exhibition organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Multan College of Arts (MCA) Bahauddin Zakariya Unversity (BZU).

Women farmers and their contribution to food production rural livelihoods and climate resilience were highlighted at a three-day art exhibition organised by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and Multan College of Arts (MCA) Bahauddin Zakariya Unversity (BZU).

The exhibition which concluded in Multan featured more than 30 original artworks created by MCA students and faculty members. It formed part of FAO Pakistan’s activities marking World Food Day 2026 during October and November.

The initiative also supported the United Nations-declared International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 with FAO serving as the lead UN agency for the observance.

The artworks explored women’s contributions to agricultural and food systems highlighting their traditional knowledge, labour and leadership. They also drew attention to inequalities and other challenges that affect women farmers’ opportunities and livelihoods.

Bahauddin Zakariya University Vice Chancellor Dr Zubair Iqbal attended the exhibition as chief guest alongside FAO Punjab Provincial Head Emelda Berejena. Multan College of Arts Principal Dr Sophiya Umar and FAO Pakistan Communications Specialist Shah Nawaz Arif curated the event.

Addressing the exhibition, Dr Iqbal said universities had an important role in encouraging students to engage with social issues. He noted that fine arts could help audiences reflect on agriculture, food systems, women farmers and environmental concerns.

He also appreciated the partnership between BZU and FAO acknowledging the efforts of MCA faculty members and participating artists in presenting these subjects to the public.

Emelda Berejena said the artworks recognised women farmers not only for the difficulties they encounter but also for their expertise leadership and resilience. She added that creative expression could make complex issues such as food production, farming and climate resilience easier for wider audiences to understand.

The exhibition comes amid growing challenges for Punjab’s agricultural communities including water shortages, changing weather conditions, climate-related risks and pressure on natural resources. These factors affect farm production, rural incomes and food security.

FAO Pakistan is addressing some of these challenges through its Green Climate Fund-supported project, “Transforming the Indus Basin with Climate Resilient Agriculture and Water Management”. The initiative works with government bodies, farming communities and partners to improve water management support informed agricultural decisions and promote climate-resilient farming practices.

Under the collaboration FAO provided thematic guidance on World Food Day women farmers and climate-resilient agriculture while MCA faculty members mentored students and artists in developing their work.