Women play important roles in all segments of food systems, as producers, processors, traders and consumers. Yet, gender inequalities are widely observed along the food systems to the detriment of women.

These gender inequalities are rooted in discriminatory rules, social and legal norms that restrict the productive potential of women and limit their rights, especially the access to resources and assets.

Both gender relations and food systems are evolving. Steering these dynamics to achieve the desired outcome is crucial. Food systems and gender equality are key to ensure access to adequate nutrition and healthy diets for all, decent livelihoods, income, environmental integrity, adaptation to climate change and and mitigation.

Achieving gender equality is an integrative part of food systems transformation. This needs to be addressed through a combination of short-term and long-term approaches at multiple scales intentionally designed to address the root causes of gender inequalities.