News in Brief:
– An internation agricultural development agency (IFAD) is stressing the indispensable role of gender equity in fostering sustainable development.
– It calls for rural women empowerment to tackle issues like limited land ownership, access to resources, and unequal participation in economic and social activities.
In a resounding declaration, the United Nations International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) emphasised the pivotal role of gender equity in fostering more prosperous and inclusive societies capable of tackling global challenges like climate change and food insecurity. Without gender equity, sustainable development remains an elusive dream, asserts the agency.
The proclamation came during the official launch of the Inter-American Decade for the Rights of All Women, Adolescents, and Girls in Rural Settings of the Americas 2024-2034, declared in June 2023 by the Organization of American States (OAS). Maija Peltola, IFAD Country Director for Mexico and Guyana, hailed the Decade as a significant opportunity to amplify the voices of rural women and intensify efforts to bridge gender gaps in rural areas.
Key players facing persistent challenges
Despite being vital for food security, rural women face myriad challenges. They have lower land ownership rates, limited access to productive resources, training, financial services, and technology. Moreover, they shoulder a disproportionate burden of household work, earn lower incomes, and face unequal access to education and healthcare services. These factors impede their full participation in economic, social, and political activities within their communities.
IFAD collaborates with smallholder farmers to enhance production processes, strengthen rural organisations, and facilitate their integration into value chains. Notably, it advocates for increased participation of women in its funded projects and in leadership roles within these organisations, constantly monitoring gender indicators.
In its funded projects, IFAD implements various actions to address gender disparities. For instance, it employs the “Closing the Gap” methodology, designed to identify and eliminate inequalities in communities, with active involvement from both women and men. This methodology has empowered rural women in countries like El Salvador, Ecuador, and Bolivia, promoting their economic empowerment.
Since 2013, IFAD has recognised projects worldwide that promote gender equality. This year, the Comprehensive Strengthening Program for the Camelid Complex in the Bolivian Altiplano (Pro-Camélidos) received accolades for challenging discriminatory beliefs and norms through innovative workshops, fostering real change.
