Indigenous Women
There are approximately 185 million Indigenous Women in the world, belonging to more than 5 000 different Indigenous Peoples. They are the backbone of Indigenous Peoples' communities and play a crucial role in providing community food security, preserving biodiversity and transmitting traditional knowledge.
The role of Indigenous Women is crucial for FAO’s mission of ending hunger and malnutrition. Nevertheless, their rights are not fully acknowledged and respected. FAO is committed to empowering Indigenous Women and to work for the full enjoyment of their rights. It advocates for their inclusion in the decision-making tables and policy discussions, which is fundamental to achieving the SDGs and building a sustainable and nutritious future for all.
Guardians of Mother Earth
Indigenous Women hold an intimate connection with their territories and consider themselves the first guardians of Mother Earth. This is why they are in the frontline of the defence of natural resources, lands and territories. In many cases, Indigenous Women are also the managers of seeds and medicinal plants in their communities. They are essential for the survival of Indigenous Peoples’ food and knowledge systems.