Expertise
Women play a crucial role in the agrifood industry, making up almost half of the agricultural workforce and holding key positions throughout global food supply chains. Despite this, countless studies have shown that gender equality in agriculture remains a significant challenge. Women in this sector often face barriers such as unequal access to education and training, pay disparities, restricted land rights, and an increased risk of food insecurity and poverty.
Gender inequality has serious ramifications on global food production and the overall welfare of the agrifood industry. Studies have shown that countries with high levels of gender inequality have, on average, lower levels of productivity and high food insecurity. Furthermore, pay gaps in developing countries exacerbate hunger and poverty.
The FAO estimate that female farmers produce 20-30% less yield than their male counterparts due to lack of resources and opportunities. Increasing women’s access to finance, agtech, and essential agri inputs can drive productivity in areas where it is needed the most. Moreover, it improves overall income of women, who disproportionately suffer from income-related food insecurity.
Investing in women in agriculture can boost economic development and a country’s overall GDP. It can stimulate job creation and competitiveness, leading to a more durable and inclusive economy.
For agribusinesses, implementing robust policies around discrimination, sexual harassment, recruitment, and promotion are integral to a safe and cohesive workplace. They improve the lives of female workers, protect the workforce from unfair treatment and lead to a more inclusive, diverse, innovative, and productive environment for everyone.
By supporting gender equality, businesses can align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, in particular SDG 5, which seeks to end gender-based discrimination and empower women and girls in both social and work-based environments.
Our gender equality consultants understand the importance of creating inclusive and equitable workplaces, and design interventions that promote equal opportunities for both men and women. We recognise the need for action at all levels of the supply chain, involving both public and private stakeholders to ensure that marginalised demographics benefit from suitable infrastructure, education, and support. Our gender equality experts have a track-record of promoting gender equality in agriculture by helping organisations and regulatory authorities effectively integrate gender perspectives into their policies, programs and practices. Our range of gender equality services include policy analysis, workforce training, program development, and strategic planning.
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Gender equality in agriculture increases productivity, enhances food security, drives economic growth, and reduces poverty. It contributes to equitable, sustainable development, with women’s empowerment benefiting families and economies.
Promotion involves policies for equal resource access, like land and credit, and education. It’s about supporting women’s leadership in agricultural bodies, advocating legal reforms, and raising gender equality awareness.
Challenges include societal norms limiting women’s roles, legal barriers to land and inheritance, lack of education and training, and underrepresentation in policymaking. Women also struggle more to access financial services and markets.
Gender equality is vital for economic growth and sustainable development in agriculture. Women, a large part of the workforce, face unequal access to land, credit, and technology. Equal opportunities for all genders boost productivity and enhance community well-being.
Gender equality in agriculture is progressing but remains uneven. Women, essential in this sector, still face significant disparities in access to resources, decision-making, and economic opportunities compared to men, impacting productivity and sustainability in the agricultural domain.
At Farrelly Mitchell, we envision a world without marginalisation, where women are provided with the tools they need to thrive in the agricultural sector. We tackle the industry’s most pressing challenges, working with progressive clients to empower women, boost productivity, and drive economic growth.
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