The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations presented the key findings of their ‘The Status of Women in Agriculture’ report at an event in Brussels, according to a release. The report detailed the contributions of women in the global food supply chain, highlighting the importance of women in creating global food security.
The FAO Liaison Brussels Office Director Raschad Al-Khafaji offered a welcome speech and introduced FAO Chief Economist Máximo Torero. Following the introduction, Caroline Gennez, minister of development cooperation and major cities, federal government of Belgium, and Carla Montesi, director of Green Deal and digital agenda at the European commission directorate-general for International Partnerships, the report’s highlights were presented including information about future policy implications and incentives. Lauren Phillips, deputy director of the FAO Division for Inclusive Rural Transformation and Gender Equality, then shared the main findings of the report on the role that women play in the food supply chain globally.
There was then a panel discussion moderated by Camilla Brückner, director of the United Nations in Brussels. Lydia Mutyebele Ngoi, alderwoman for housing, public heritage, and equal opportunities from the City of Brussels; Dirk Jacobs, director general of FoodDrinkEurope; and Maureen Duru, founder and director of The FoodBridge, took part in the discussion.
Speakers shared data, “lessons learned and recommendations for governments, businesses, and civil society to develop effective and cost-efficient policies and programs within agri-food systems that support women.” By offering this guidance to policy makers and stakeholders the hope is that critical information and valuable insights were shared. The goal of this report is for it to help achieve gender equality and empower women in the agriculture sector for food security.
The event was attended by many stakeholders that represented different value chains. Engaging discussions were had with many opportunities for future collaboration. It also provided an opportunity for those attending to network and discuss “advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment in the food sector.”
