The briefing identifies three main categories of constraints impacting gender equality within agrifood systems: structural barriers, land tenure, and resource access. Through case studies from Guatemala, Indonesia, and Kenya, it explores initiatives aimed at addressing these issues. The insights gleaned from these studies offer valuable lessons to understand what has worked to drive changes in behavior and practice.
Key messages
- Gender disparity in agriculture: Women constitute a significant portion of the agrifood workforce globally, yet they face undervaluation and earn less compared to men. Structural barriers like discriminatory norms limit their participation.
- Barriers to participation: discriminatory social norms and legal frameworks hinder women’s access to resources and opportunities in agrifood systems, affecting their welfare and household outcomes.
- Empowerment yields multiple benefits: Closing gender gaps in agrifood systems can alleviate hunger, boost incomes, and enhance community resilience. Understanding effective strategies is crucial for advancing gender equality and reaping these benefits.