The new FAO report provides a comprehensive picture of the status of women not only in agriculture, but across agrifood systems. It presents extensive data and lessons learned about gender in agrifood systems, with particular focus on how women participate in and benefit from socio-economic opportunities. Furthermore, it demonstrates how shocks in agrifood systems, such as COVID-19, have a differential impact on men, boys, women and girls and their coping strategies. The report provides policy-oriented insights and makes specific recommendations on the best way forward.

Women’s participation in agrifood systems is changing and is now more complex than ever before. The report shows how gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to the transition towards sustainable, productive and resilient agrifood systems and how the transformation of agrifood systems can contribute to gender equality and women’s empowerment. With the launch of the report, FAO makes a commitment to do even more to mainstream gender considerations in our efforts to achieve better production, better nutrition, better environment and a better life.

During the event, presenters will highlight the relevance of the report’s findings for policy and decision makers, development actors, the private sector, civil society and academia. Different stakeholders will share insights from their own work on gender equality and empowering women in agrifood systems, as a key ingredient for the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.

IFPRI Participant

• Agnes Quisumbing, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI