Gender Equality and Food systems | Knowledge for policy

Brief me

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.

The “Gender Equality and Food Systems” topic of the Knowledge Centre for Global Food and Nutrition Security provides readers key knowledge about the links between gender equality and food systems. It highlights key policies and initiatives at both the international and EU levels while offering regular updates on publications and policy actions. This topic is structured around six sections: 1) Brief me, 2) Publications, 3) Policies, 4) Initiatives and Programmes 5) Online resources (documents, datasets and main existing fora/ community of practices), 6) News and events.

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Brief me on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

Current food systems are marked by widespread inequalities, with gender disparities being particularly pronounced. While food systems and gender relations are undergoing rapid…

Publications on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

Access a selection of publications on “Gender Equality and Food Systems” or explore all relevant publications on this topic .

Policies on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

Initiatives and programmes on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

Online resources on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

This section provides guidance documents, datasets, e-learning materials and useful websites on gender and food systems.

News and events on "Gender Equality and Food Systems"

This section explores news and events from the EU, international organisations, traditional and social media.

Latest knowledge

PUBLICATION | 01 Jul 2026

Delivering on gender equality: the missing piece in climate and food systems policy

This brief examines the structural failures in climate and food systems policy and finance that leave women in climate-vulnerable agrifood contexts, from smallholder farmers to informal market vendors and post-harvest...

NEWS | 30 Jun 2026

Growing fast but earning less: Women in India’s informal microenterprises

This year marks the 10th annual observance of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day (June 27)—intended to raise awareness and recognize the role of MSMEs toward the achievement...

PUBLICATION | 19 Jun 2026

CGIAR Brief Theme 5 - Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth: Gendered barriers, aspirations and pathways for transformation

This Brief argues that supplying sufficient food into the future relies on engaging youth to participate in building a vibrant food system. Yet many young people are leaving...