In celebration of International Women’s Day 2024, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) are scheduled to host a virtual event entitled “Investing in Women’s Entrepreneurship in Agrifood Systems in Asia and the Pacific.” This event aims to illuminate the crucial role of women in agriculture, particularly in agrifood systems, and to advocate for increased investment in women’s entrepreneurship in the region.
The theme for International Women’s Day 2024, “Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress,” emphasizes the urgency of providing greater economic opportunities for women. The event aims to commemorate women’s achievements, address the enduring challenges they face, and rally for collective action towards gender equality.
The role of women in agrifood systems is multifaceted, encompassing active participation in farming activities and influencing policy and decision-making processes. However, there is a significant disparity between men and women in terms of participation and economic returns within these systems. Bridging this gap requires not only ensuring equitable access to resources, services, and training for women, but also dismantling structural inequalities and discriminatory practices.
Investments play a crucial role in addressing the challenges faced by women in agrifood systems. By focusing on areas such as service provision, financial support, infrastructure development, and institutional strengthening, these investments can create a conducive environment for women to establish and expand their entrepreneurial ventures in the agrifood sector.
According to data from FAO, closing the gender gap in farm productivity and agrifood-system employment could potentially increase global gross domestic product by 1 percent, amounting to nearly USD 1 trillion. Furthermore, this shift could reduce global food insecurity by approximately 2 percentage points, benefiting 45 million food-insecure individuals.
The upcoming virtual event, co-organized by FAO and IFAD, aims to achieve several objectives, including raising awareness about the significance of investments and policy measures in promoting women’s entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, advocating for gender equality as a driving force for sustainable development, sharing best practices and challenges from the Asia-Pacific region, and facilitating dialogue among diverse stakeholders to explore innovative approaches for empowering women in the agriculture and food sector.
Esteemed speakers and panelists will contribute their expertise and insights to the event, including H.E. Hor Malin, Reema Nanavaty, Vong Phalla, Marie Lisa Dacanay, Zonibel Woods, and Meera Mishra. The discussion will be moderated by Kae Mihara, a Gender Officer at FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific.
To participate in the event and gain valuable knowledge and insights, individuals are cordially invited to join the webinar via the provided link: https://bit.ly/498eGU9.
In conclusion, recognizing and investing in women’s entrepreneurship in agrifood systems is not only a matter of empowerment and equity, but also a strategic imperative for driving economic growth and sustainable development in Asia and the Pacific. The event serves as an important platform to advocate for greater support and investment in women’s participation in agriculture, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for the region.