Deep Dive and Discussion on the Status of Rural Women in the Agrifood Systems

Geneva - The FAO Liaison Office with the United Nations and the FAO Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division recently hosted a Deep Dive and Discussion on the Status of Rural Women in the Agrifood Systems Report in Geneva. Inviting five speakers from different international organizations, the event aimed to highlight the central role of women in agrifood systems and the ongoing challenges they face, while presenting new data and evidence and exploring game-changing solutions.

Welcoming participants, Dominique Burgeon, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Geneva, emphasized the vital role of FAO in working towards agrifood transformation and gender equality within the agriculture system.

In his opening remarks, Maximo Torrero, the FAO Chief Economist, underscored the crucial role of women in agriculture and food production, highlighting the progress made in closing the gender gap. However, he called for bolder initiatives and policies to empower women and elevate their status in the agrifood system.

Lauren Philips, the Deputy Director for FAO's Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality Division, presented key components of the report, including the high number of women employed in agrifood systems, unequal working conditions, limited access to assets and resources, discriminatory social norms, and the impact of gender inequalities on women's resilience to shocks and stressors.

Rosalina Gamarano, a Senior Statistician from the International Labour Organization, discussed the need for accurate and relatable data to inform policies promoting decent work for women in agrifood systems. She highlighted the importance of redefining employment to include both paid and unpaid work, particularly for women engaged in subsistence farming.

Adriana Quinones, the Director of the UN Women Liaison Office in Geneva, discussed the challenges women face in the food value chain and called for their inclusion in decision-making processes. She also emphasized the importance of group-based approaches and collaboration with women's organizations to address women's vulnerability to shocks.

During the Q&A session, the speakers addressed questions about translating international actions into local policy changes, ensuring gender-disaggregated data informs policy, and promoting educational and systematic training to empower women in the agriculture system.

In conclusion, the event shed light on the challenges and barriers faced by rural women in the agrifood system and called for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to achieve gender equality and empower women in agriculture. The speakers emphasized the importance of data, policy changes, and collaboration to create sustainable initiatives and address violence against women.