Current food systems are marked by widespread inequalities, with gender disparities being particularly pronounced. While food systems and gender relations are undergoing rapid transformation, steering these dynamics to achieve the desired outcome is crucial. Achieving gender equity is an integrative part of food systems transformation.

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 mitigation.

Gender-responsive approaches are an important lever for progress across all aspects of food systems. Discrimination and inequalities worsen food insecurity and various forms of malnutrition, particularly for women and girls. Conversely, gender equality and women empowerment positively affect food security, diets and child nutrition.

Tackling gender issues in food systems requires systemic and structural approaches. Gender inequalities are rooted in social norms and rules that limit women’s rights and restrict their productive potential. Gender inequality needs to be addressed through a combination of short and long-term actions at multiple governance scales.

Policymakers and practitioners still work with piecemeal information when developing a gender and/or women empowerment strategy. Evidence on pathways to implement gender transformation in food systems is still fragmented and more research is needed in this area.

This topic of the Knowledge Centre for Global Food and Nutrition Security provides key knowledge about the interlinkages between Gender Equality and Food System. Section 1 “Brief me” gives a concise and accessible summary of the main issues. Section 2 gathers key publications on the topic. Section 3 covers European and international policies while Section 4 covers European and international initiatives and programmes. Section 5 “Online resources” contains guidance documents, datasets and main existing fora / community of practices on the topic. Section 6 groups news and events.