“Seed is not just the source of life. It is the very foundation of our being.” -Vandana Shiva
FRIENDS OF NAVDANYA was created to support and expand the work of Navdanya, a women-led movement founded 30 years ago by environmentalist Dr. Vandana Shiva to defend seed & food sovereignty of small farmers. Central to Navdanya’s mission is the vision of an EARTH DEMOCRACY, a new agricultural & economic paradigm where seed, food & ecological justice takes precedence over profits in today’s global food system; & where economic security, biodiversity, & the mitigation of climate change are achieved via regenerative agroecology. HELP US SEED THE FUTURE FOR FARMERS & THE EARTH.
This Spring at the Navdanya Biodiversity Farm in Dehradun, India, women farmers from all over India will gather for one of its most anticipated programs: Eco-Feminism, led by Dr. Vandana Shiva and renowned women scholars, farmers, and thought-leaders from around the globe. As the climate crisis intensifies and global systems fail to support either people or planet, ecofeminism offers a powerful alternative: one grounded in care, biodiversity, traditional knowledge, and nonviolence.
What Is Ecofeminism and Why Does It Matter?
Ecofeminism, as defined by Dr. Vandana Shiva, is a powerful worldview and movement that links the exploitation of nature and the subjugation of women as parallel outcomes of patriarchal, colonial, and capitalist systems. At its heart is the recognition that healing the Earth requires restoring respect for the feminine — in both nature and society. From seed sovereignty to soil regeneration, from kitchen gardens to community health, women are leading the way in creating ecological resilience and food democracy. In a time of deep ecological and social crisis, ecofeminism offers a path of resistance and renewal — rooted in biodiversity, care, and resilience.
Ecofeminism at Navdanya: Women, Earth & Regeneration
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THE FARM
Since the 1980’s, Dehradun, India has been home to the Navdanya farm and Bija Vidyapeeth/Earth University. The thriving organic farm, biodiversity research center, and seed bank welcomes farmers, students, researchers and thought leaders from all over the world to come learn and engage in nature surrounded by the Himalayas.
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WHY DONATE?
When you contribute to Friends of Navdanya, your support strengthens the mission of Navdanya to create farmer self-reliance, defend seed & food sovereignty, and preserve Earth Democracy. Join us in advancing this vital work for the future of our planet and the well-being of farmers globally.
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THE MOVEMENT
The Navdanya Movement began with a focus on seed freedom and agroecology and has expanded to include food for health, climate resilience, corporate control & economic democracy, and Earth democracy. It began with Navdanya in India and expanded globally with the creation of Navdanya International and the addition of Friends of Navdanya.
