What will it take to make food systems work for women?

According to the Status of Women in Agrifood Systems (SWAFS 2023), women make up more than 40 percent of the global agricultural labor force. In sub-Saharan Africa, food systems are a primary source of livelihood for 66 percent of women, compared to 60 percent of men. Yet women consistently have less access to land, agricultural inputs, finance, markets, technologies and information. Harmful social norms and discriminatory laws continue to restrict their agency and decision-making power.

Closing the gender equality gaps in food systems would have immediate impact and long-term return on investment not only for women, but for their societies. Closing the gender gap in farm productivity and wages in food systems could increase global GDP by 1 percent (nearly US$1 trillion) and reduce global food insecurity by 2 percentage points, benefiting 45 million people (SWAFS 2023). 

Given what is at stake, why is progress still so slow?

As we celebrate the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, we have a renewed opportunity to move from talk to action and advance the empowerment of all women and girls beyond food systems value chains into value-adding sectors. Recognizing women’s central role in feeding the world must go beyond celebration. It must translate into sustained, evidence-driven action that delivers rights, justice and measurable change for women.

Here’s what it will take to move quickly towards equitable food future: 

See ww.cgiar.org/news-events/news/what-will-it-take-make-food-systems-work-women