At FAO’s virtual tea, Female World Activists raise voice in unison against Gender-based Violence

7 December 2020, Rome - Female world activists gathered today at FAO’s virtual tea to discuss ways to address gender-based violence within the context of women, peace and security. They shared insights on how to empower women for more sustainable agri-food systems and ultimately for a more resilient world.

The last of this year’s VirtualiTeas, a series of events organized by FAO’s Women Committee, was held in support of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence. The campaign, launched by the UN Secretary General on 25 November, aims to support women and girls around the world to stay safe and free of violence. 

The event was opened by FAO Director-General QU Dongyu. The FAO chief set up the FAO’s Women Committee, along with the FAO’s Youth Committee, upon assuming office to ensure that the contribution of women at all levels of the organization as well as the development of young talent at FAO is promoted. In his opening remarks, he alluded to the crucial role that women and girls can play in contributing to peace and stability if enabled to actively participate in the whole value chain of agri-food systems.

The FAO Director-General called for necessary changes to empower women and girls in rural areas, stressing that the way women are treated indicates the level of civilization within one’s family, one’s community or an organization. “Let's walk the talk to build solidarity for a global, lasting peace,” he said.

In her address, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, referred to the need for extending the campaign to 365 days of activism because gender-based violence happens every day of the year. She cited inequality and conflict as key challenges facing women. To cope with these challenges, the Minister underscored the need for an efficient criminal justice system, investing in the education of young girls and the economic empowerment of women, including wider access to finance for women in agriculture.

Bineta Diop, African Union Special Envoy for Women, Peace and Security, highlighted the importance of women’s leadership in our society.  In relation to the agricultural sector, she reminded the audience that women play a crucial role in the value chains and called to step up efforts to harness the potential of women in agribusiness. ‘First and foremost, we need to make sure women have access to land’, she added.

Maria Victoria Montalvo and Piergiorgio, Trentinaglia, Heads of the Security Divisions of the World Food Programme and of FAO, respectively, highlighted the need for multi-level and tailor-made responses focusing on survival. They noted the need to focus on security issues and correct gender injustices that lead to violence as well as raise awareness about multiple gender-based violence threats.

In her closing remarks, Deputy Director-General Maria Helena Semedo, who chairs the Women’s Committee, said that in order to address gender-based violence, we need to start with prevention and anticipation and that for this, information and action at an early stage are of great importance. She also underscored the need for putting in place appropriate policies that can promote trust-building and create a mechanism through which women can safely seek advice and support.