ORLANDO, FL - Over the weekend, women from across the world were honored and celebrated for their achievements and perseverance through International Women’s Day. The National Mango Board (NMB) was just one produce company celebrating the holiday, recognizing the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while also marking a call to action for accelerating gender equality. To acknowledge women in the mango industry, inspire conversation, and build awareness of gender equity, the NMB celebrated International Women's Day by changing its name to the “National WOmango Board” for the day.

“International Women's Day is an opportunity for us to acknowledge and appreciate female mango growers and all women in the mango industry,” said Manuel Michel, Executive Director. “We encourage a diverse and inclusive mango industry which supports women in the agricultural workforce and supporting industries. This diversity strengthens the mango industry and agriculture as a whole.”

The NMB recognizes the contribution of all women in the mango industry, from growers on farms in the U.S., Latin America, the Caribbean, and around the world, through the entire mango supply chain to women in produce, retail, and culinary fields.

This is why the NMB saluted female industry members and their contribution to a thriving mango industry by changing its name for the day. The organization also highlighted the experiences of the female members of its Board of Directors.

Across the globe, there is growth of women in agriculture. In the U.S., 36 percent of all agriculture producers are female; and in mango producing countries such as Ecuador and Peru, women comprise 24.8 percent and 31.3 percent of the agricultural labor force.

Let’s hear it for the ladies! Keep clicking back to ANUK as we continue to cover the latest news in fresh produce.

The National Mango Board