Gender equality in science and innovation is critical for agrifood system transformation

Around the world, women represent only one‑third of researchers and about 35 percent of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates, a figure that has barely shifted in a decade. This untapped potential and equality gap is mirrored throughout agrifood systems, where women are a majority of agrifood workforce but are often unrecognized or unpaid for their work.

Gender equality in science and innovation is not a matter of fairness; it is essential for transforming agrifood systems. When women are excluded, so too are their ideas, their innovations, and their lived experiences. Promoting women and girls in STEM sectors strengthens the agrifood workforce, improves the relevance and impact of research, and accelerates progress towards more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems.

FAO’s role in advancing gender‑responsive science, technology and innovation

At FAO, we see every day how gender equality is not a side issue, but a critical foundation for transforming agrifood systems. Equality and equity between women and men, and across generations, are essential if science, technology and innovation are to deliver lasting impacts at scale. That is why we work actively to promote the full inclusion of women and girls in science, innovation, science–policy processes and decision-making – not only in formal education, but across rural communities, among small-scale producers, Indigenous Peoples and others who remain under-represented or marginalised in agrifood systems.

FAO has a unique mandate and responsibility to help create an enabling environment for gender-responsive science, technology and innovation. Through our convening power, we bring governments, organisations and individuals together to focus collective action on closing the gender gap in agrifood systems. Through policy support and standard-setting, we work to ensure that outcomes are gender equitable and socially inclusive. By analysing and synthesising evidence, we help identify what works to drive gender-transformative change, and through our technical assistance we support countries to apply this knowledge, including in times of crisis. For example, women’s empowerment has proven central to leveraging climate smart solutions and building resilience against climate change.

Translating science into practice is central to this effort. Working with our Members and partners, here at FAO, we aim to ensure that science, technology and innovations reach those most in need and reflect lived realities of women and men. We also highlight women role models in agrifood science, convene intergenerational dialogues and engage young women through innovation challenges and learning initiatives.

We cannot close gender gaps we do not measure. Gender disaggregated data on research teams, funding, leadership and research beneficiaries are critical for accountability. © FAO/Luis Tato

Closing the gender gap in science depends on shifting opportunity structures: who enters science, who stays, and who succeeds. A systemic, life‑cycle approach is essential. Early socialization remains one of the most powerful barriers. Girls are still too often steered away from STEM fields through stereotypes and false assumptions. Creating space for girls to explore scientific curiosity with confidence is critical in countering these social norms.

Mentorship is another key driver. Intergenerational support helps women navigate challenges, build confidence and develop scientific careers. At the institutional level, gender‑responsive recruitment, retention and promotion policies, together with family‑friendly work arrangements, ensure that women are not pushed out of science due to biased evaluation and societal pressures.

Fellowships, scholarships, and paid internships can enable young women to pursue secondary, higher education and advanced research. Travel grants, which take into account the realities of women scientists who are also mothers, can increase the presence and visibility of these scientists in scientific conferences.

Data and accountability are equally critical. We cannot close gender gaps we do not measure. Gender‑disaggregated data on research teams, funding, leadership and research beneficiaries is key. Such measures align with FAO’s commitment to ensure that innovation is equitable and socially inclusive.

Supporting women in science is not only about equity; it is essential for resilient, inclusive and innovative agrifood systems. This requires challenging entrenched norms, engaging men as allies, and democratising science so that diverse knowledge and innovation - including community-led and farmer-participatory approaches - are recognised and valued. This is how we can ensure that no one is left behind in shaping the future of our agrifood systems through science and innovation.

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FAO & Science, Technology and Innovation

Charles Spillane is Chief Scientist at FAO

Mona Chaya is a Special Adviser in the Chief Scientist’s Office

Preet Lidder is a Technical Adivser in the Chief Scientist’s Office