20 Jan From Hunger to Hope: Maydene’s Journey in Sustainable Agriculture and Gender Equity

Maydene, from the Philippines, is a passionate advocate for food security and sustainable agriculture. Her journey began in 2017 during a mission trip to an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community, where she witnessed the devastating impacts of hunger and malnutrition. This transformative experience led her to pursue education in farming and agriculture, equipping her with the knowledge to support vulnerable communities.

In 2024, she was selected as a participant in the Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), supported by Wedu. Her work at WLA focuses on bridging the gender leadership gap in agriculture by nurturing women to take active roles in food production and sustainability efforts.

Read Maydene’s reflections below, where she shares how she continues to build her vision of combating hunger and uplifting communities to create a more equitable and sustainable future through Wedu’s leadership and mentorship programmes.

Addressing Hunger Through Community-Driven Farming

In 2017, a mission trip to an Indigenous Peoples (IP) community opened my eyes to the harsh realities of hunger and malnutrition. Witnessing these struggles firsthand inspired me to take action. I committed to addressing food security by equipping communities with the knowledge and tools to grow their own food and build sustainable livelihoods. This journey began with a return to school, where I focused on farming techniques to help create long-lasting solutions to hunger.

Achievements in Sustainable Agriculture

Over the years, I have trained more than 1,030 individuals in farming techniques, established 10 micro-farms, and collaborated with partners to improve food production and marketing strategies. These efforts have been recognized with multiple accolades, including awards from the Department of Agriculture and the Ayala Foundation. My work has focused on advancing community-driven agricultural projects such as AgriTindahan ni Juana’t Juan, a platform that combines innovation with local economic growth.

Building Leadership for Food Security and Gender Equity

I had the privilege of participating in the 2024 Women’s Leadership Academy (WLA) under the Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI), supported by Wedu. This transformative programme provided a platform to explore the intersection of food security and gender equity. Through mentorship and collaboration with changemakers across Southeast Asia, I gained valuable insights into bridging the gender leadership gap in agriculture and ensuring that women have the tools to lead and thrive in this essential sector.

Reflecting further on my journey, I am filled with immense gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose as I deepen my understanding of the critical role that women occupy in addressing food security challenges within their communities. WLA provided an avenue for me to broaden my knowledge and drive positive change across our food systems while connecting with like-minded individuals.

The programme has reinforced my belief in the power of women-led initiatives in creating resilient agricultural practices that can address both local and global needs. It has also inspired me to continue advocating for youth and women in the agricultural sector, ensuring that their voices are heard and their contributions are recognized in building a sustainable and food-secure future for all.

As I continue to work in this field, my goal remains the same—to share knowledge, uplift communities, and champion collective progress by fostering collaboration and inclusivity among diverse sectors.