Overcoming the gender inequalities rooted in agri-food systems and the empowerment of women are fundamental actions to achieve inclusive and resilient agri-food systems, as well as to achieve the goals of eradicating poverty and eliminating hunger worldwide. Women play a crucial role in family farming, accounting for half of its population linked to this sector.

The role of women in the development of rural societies transcends their contribution in productive and caring tasks, also contributing with knowledge about local and ancestral agricultural practices, and the conservation of biodiversity. Rural women are engaged in both agricultural and non-agricultural activities, and have a fundamental role in the management of natural resources, as well as in the production, processing, conservation and marketing of food. In addition, they diversify income sources and ensure food security, nutrition and the well-being of their families and communities.

Despite the fact that women show a similar inclination to men to work in agri-food systems, they continue to face unequal conditions that have been aggravated due to the recent crises. Given the complexity of these challenges, it is necessary to design and implement focused policies that promote the integral participation of women in food systems along value chains, strengthening capacities for their productive organization and participation in decision-making processes, recognizing and taking advantage of the multiple functions of family agriculture to strengthen the role of women in rural communities.

 

Contact

Ricardo Rivera
Communications coordinator of the IR2 regional initiative

[email protected]
FAO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean
Av. Dag Hammarskjöld #3241, Vitacura, Santiago de Chile