AWARD, CGIAR and Partners Call for Urgent Action to Advance Women’s Rights in Agrifood Systems Ahead of International Women’s Day

As the world prepares to mark the 2026 International Women’s Day under the United Nations theme Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls, leading agricultural and research institutions have issued a strong call for urgent and concrete measures to advance women’s rights and leadership in agrifood systems.

In a high level convening held in Nairobi, African Women in Agricultural Research and Development, the CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology, and CIFOR-ICRAF brought together researchers, policymakers, investors, development partners and women farmers from across Kenya. The meeting focused on dismantling systemic barriers that continue to undermine women’s contributions and benefits within agrifood systems.

Despite mounting evidence of women’s central role in food production and value chains, their work remains largely undervalued and unsupported. Many women operate under precarious conditions that are informal, irregular, labor intensive and poorly remunerated. They also face persistent obstacles including limited access to land ownership, finance, technology, education, extension services and meaningful participation in decision making at household, community and national levels.

Speaking during the event, Nicoline deHaan, Director of the CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator, noted that the International Year of the Woman Farmer presents a unique opportunity to renew commitments and accelerate change. She emphasized the need to ensure food systems genuinely work for women farmers while science delivers solutions that respond to the realities of smallholder households.

A recent report examining the status of women in agrifood systems across sub Saharan Africa underscores that increased investment in women’s empowerment can unlock inclusive economic growth, enhance food security and strengthen climate resilience. The findings reinforce the argument that gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic pathway to sustainable development.

Dr Susan Kaaria, Director of AWARD, highlighted that over 90 percent of women engaged in food systems operate in informal segments. She observed that many lack adequate social protection mechanisms and remain invisible in data systems, which undermines evidence based policymaking. She stressed the importance of positioning women not merely as beneficiaries of development interventions, but as co creators of solutions.

The Nairobi convening was deliberately structured as an action oriented platform centered on women’s lived experiences. Discussions addressed improving working conditions, expanding access to productive resources, strengthening leadership pathways and amplifying women’s voices in shaping equitable and resilient agrifood systems.

 Participants underscored the critical role of gender disaggregated data in informing better decisions and ensuring that solutions are responsive to both women and men across the agrifood value chain.

Aligned with the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the event also spotlighted women farmers who are driving innovation at grassroots level. They showcased practical solutions that are enhancing farm productivity while outlining the structural changes required to transform agrifood systems into inclusive engines of opportunity.

As global reflections on progress toward gender equality continue, the convening partners reaffirmed their collective commitment to ensuring that women, particularly women farmers, are fully recognized and supported as leaders, innovators and decision makers within agrifood systems.

The organizers expressed optimism that sustained collaboration among research institutions, governments, private sector actors and farming communities will translate commitments into tangible action that advances rights, justice and equitable growth for women across Africa’s food systems.