Empowering Women in Agriculture: Addressing Gender-based Challenges and Fostering Inclusive Development

2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a pivotal moment for women’s rights globally. While the Declaration has undeniably propelled women’s empowerment across numerous nations, the journey toward gender equality in agriculture remains unfinished. Empowering women in agriculture is not merely a matter of fairness; it’s a critical step toward achieving broader sustainable development goals related to food security, poverty reduction, and economic growth. By dismantling the systemic barriers that hold women back and investing in their potential, we can unlock significant benefits for individuals, communities, and the agricultural sector.

A critical question arises: How can we ensure that development interventions truly empower women in agriculture? Smallholder farming faces persistent challenges, particularly in the global South, where women comprise a substantial portion of the workforce. These include land ownership insecurity, limited access to credit and financing, inadequate extension services, and restricted access to essential inputs and equipment. These barriers disproportionately impact women and youth. Furthermore, social and cultural norms often exacerbate these systemic barriers, further limiting women’s productivity and participation in agricultural development. These barriers are particularly pronounced in the rice sector, where women play a crucial role in cultivation, harvesting, and processing. Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach that considers women’s specific needs and constraints in different contexts.

Achieving gender equality necessitates a profound understanding of the intersectional dimensions of gender disparities. It requires adopting gender-intentional approaches in research and development. This means moving beyond simply including women in projects and actively working to transform gender power dynamics. Gender-based challenges intricately affect food security, nutrition, and income equality, demanding a concerted effort to dismantle these barriers and achieve holistic and equitable development. Interventions should focus on giving women equal access to resources, opportunities, and decision-making power. Moreover, addressing social norms and cultural practices that limit women’s participation in agriculture requires effective social and behavior change communication strategies.