Women leading: innovation with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
With a powerful story to tell - one of stewardship, resilience, and leadership - women have always been at the forefront of food systems, paving the way for a sustainable and nourished world. The feminine way of being is a celebration of abundance!
Women have always been the backbone of food systems, from planting and harvesting crops to processing and preserving food. Yet, their contributions have often been overlooked and undervalued. But things are changing. Women are increasingly occupying leadership positions in agriculture, food research, policymaking, advocacy, and beyond, driving transformative change and promoting sustainable and inclusive food systems.
Historical achievements and challenges
By incorporating diverse crops and traditional knowledge, women have contributed to the resilience and long-term sustainability of food production. Women-led enterprises, such as small-scale food businesses and cooperatives, have also helped preserve local food cultures and empowered communities by providing economic opportunities and promoting local entrepreneurship. Moreover, women have been innovators in preserving techniques, creating traditional recipes, and passing down culinary knowledge from generation to generation - their role in the food processing and culinary sectors cannot be overemphasized.
Despite being instrumental in developing sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental preservation and community well-being, throughout history, women have faced significant oppression.
Women and girls face barriers and constraints that men and boys do not as a consequence of rigid gender norms and roles, unequal power dynamics and discriminatory social structures.
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, women own less than 20% of agricultural land worldwide.
Women often face barriers in accessing key resources such as credit, inputs, and agricultural extension services. FAO estimates that if women had the same access as men to agricultural resources, they could increase yields on their farms by 20-30%, lifting millions out of hunger.
Women contribute significantly to agricultural work, including planting, weeding, harvesting, and processing, yet their labor is often undervalued and unpaid. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that globally, women perform more than 70% of the total working hours in the food and agricultural sector but earn significantly less than their male counterparts.
Women are underrepresented in decision-making roles within agricultural cooperatives, organizations, and policymaking bodies. The World Bank estimates that women hold less than 20% of parliamentary seats related to agriculture and rural development.
Women in the agricultural sector are vulnerable to gender-based violence, including sexual harassment and exploitation. A study by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) found that approximately 1 in 3 rural women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.
The dawn of a brighter future
Gender equality and women's empowerment are gaining increasing recognition and acceptance at all levels of governance, driven by the critical importance of achieving these goals within the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. This momentum is also evident in the agri-food sector, leading to important advancements in the last decade:
Increasing participation of women in positions of leadership, policymaking, research & development, and humanitarian interventions.
Significant improvements in the availability of sex-disaggregated data and gender statistics, enhancing our understanding of gender dynamics in various domains.
Increasing research efforts to understand the nature and drivers of women's empowerment and gender equality, providing a foundation for informed decision-making based on data and evidence.
The progress made in addressing gender inequalities within food systems is undoubtedly inspiring, but our journey towards achieving true gender equality is far from over.
With increased awareness, dedicated efforts, and collaborative initiatives, we have the potential to create a future where women play a pivotal role in shaping and leading regenerative food systems that forge prosperity in harmony with nature.
It's beyond sex and gender
In Eastern philosophy, the concept of feminine and masculine energies extends beyond gender and encompasses broader qualities and principles that exist within all beings. Feminine energy, known as Yin, embodies receptivity, intuition, nurturing, and interconnectedness. It is associated with the lunar, introspective, and yielding aspects of existence. Feminine energy represents the power of surrender, compassion, and the ability to flow with the natural rhythms of life.
On the other hand, masculine energy, known as Yang, encompasses qualities such as action, assertiveness, logic, and individuality. It is linked to the solar, dynamic, and assertive aspects of existence. Masculine energy embodies the power of creation, structure, and the ability to manifest intentions into the physical world.
Both feminine and masculine energies are regarded as complementary and essential forces that need to be balanced and harmonized within individuals and the world at large. This Oriental perspective invites us to recognize and integrate these energies within ourselves, cultivating a harmonious interplay that fosters holistic well-being and spiritual growth. For me, it makes total sense!
In today's unbalanced world, which predominantly leans towards the influence of masculine energy, there is an urgent need to acknowledge and reconcile with feminine energy in order to achieve sustainability - so humanity can move forward as a thriving species. By embracing the nurturing, interconnected, and intuitive qualities of the feminine, we can restore balance and foster a deeper connection with the natural world.
Amidst uncertainty and chaos, feminine energy emanates a nurturing and calming force. It reminds us to cultivate compassion, empathy, and cooperation, creating inclusive environments where collective intelligence thrives and sustainable solutions emerge to address complex challenges.
Lost in translation?
To get tangible about what I mean by this in the context of Food Systems, let’s explore examples that showcase the distinctive qualities of both masculine and feminine energies at play.
Feminine:
Food systems embody nurturing qualities by caring for and providing sustenance and nutrition to individuals and communities.
Food systems highlight the intricate web of relationships between soil, plants, animals, and humans, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of ecosystems health.
Feminine energy within food systems promotes sustainability practices, prioritizing long-term ecological balance and resource preservation through techniques like organic farming and regenerative agriculture.
Food systems thrive through collaboration, bringing together farmers, producers, distributors, and consumers to ensure food availability and accessibility, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility.
Feminine energy in food systems encompasses the resilience needed to adapt to challenges, recover from disruptions, and draw upon the strength and adaptability inherent to it.
Food systems honor the natural rhythms of seasons and cycles, promoting the consumption of locally and seasonally available produce and fostering harmony with the Earth's natural cycles.
Feminine energy within food systems values and celebrates the diversity of plant and animal species, as well as cultural and culinary traditions, preserving biodiversity and cultural heritage.
Food systems guided by feminine energy prioritize the well-being and sustenance of future generations through sustainable agricultural practices and considerations of long-term impacts.
Feminine energy in food systems promotes reverence for all life forms involved in food production and consumption, emphasizing ethical and humane treatment of animals, waste reduction, and mindful resource utilization.
Feminine energy in food systems encourages intuitive decision-making and draws upon the wisdom embedded in traditional farming practices and ecological knowledge, valuing the insights of farmers and indigenous communities in sustainable food production.
Masculine:
Masculine energy within food systems unleashes a relentless drive for productivity and efficiency. It harnesses technological advancements, mechanization, and improved farming techniques to maximize output and meet the demands of a growing population.
The pulse of masculine energy fuels innovation within food systems. It fuels a constant quest for new technologies, techniques, and solutions to address challenges like climate change, resource scarcity, and food security. Scientific research and technological advancements pave the way for transformative breakthroughs.
Masculine energy ignites a spirit of entrepreneurship within food systems. It empowers farmers, producers, and food entrepreneurs to develop innovative products, create value-added offerings, and explore new market opportunities. It's a dynamic force that drives economic growth and sparks creativity.
Masculine energy in food systems thrives on understanding and responding to market dynamics and consumer preferences. It keenly observes consumer trends, demands, and preferences to ensure economic viability and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.
Masculine energy recognizes and celebrates individual agency and responsibility within the food system. It encourages farmers, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders to take ownership of their enterprises, make independent decisions, and pursue their unique visions of success.
Powered by masculine energy, food systems embrace technological advancements. Precision agriculture, automation, genetic engineering, and other innovations are harnessed to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve efficiency in the pursuit of cutting-edge solutions.
Masculine energy takes charge of effective supply chain management within food systems. It orchestrates the seamless flow of goods from farm to fork, optimizing logistics, distribution, and timely delivery to meet market demands with precision.
Masculine energy prioritizes risk management within food systems. It embraces strategies like crop insurance, diversification of income sources, and financial planning to mitigate potential risks and uncertainties, safeguarding the stability of the system.
Masculine energy places great value on research, data, and evidence-based decision making within food systems. It encourages scientific studies, data analysis, and informed decision making to optimize production, tackle challenges, and drive continuous improvements.
Masculine energy fuels the development of vital infrastructure within food systems. It encompasses investments in transportation networks, storage facilities, processing plants, and marketplaces, laying the foundation for efficient and scalable food production, processing, and distribution.
The harmonious interplay of feminine and masculine energies weaves a captivating narrative of progress, growth, and balance in the world of food, forging a path towards a thriving and sustainable future.
How can we make it happen faster?
First, as a society, we need to break free from the confines of "us versus them" and embrace the power of synergy. Inhabiting a transformative time and space, we are witnessing a complex transition from historical contexts where the dominance of feminine energy was present, to periods characterized by the polarity of masculine energy, and now onwards to an era where we collectively strive for balance.
This transition claims a nuanced understanding and appreciation of the distinct contributions and challenges faced by both genders throughout history. It is a pivotal moment to advocate for equity, empowering women to reclaim their power and voice - silenced by decades of oppression - while fostering an inclusive society that values the harmonious interplay of feminine and masculine energies, ultimately benefiting the well-being of all.
A reevaluation of societal values, promoting collaboration over competition and prioritizing holistic well-being over narrow self-interest is mandatory. Integrating feminine energy into sustainability efforts enables us to adopt regenerative practices, amplify diverse voices, and cultivate empathy and compassion, ultimately paving the way for a more harmonious and sustainable future.
With that said, let's get to the several stakeholders in the food systems well-positioned to accelerate the process of recognizing and empowering women in the sector.
Governments and Policymakers:
Play a vital role in creating an enabling environment for gender equality in food systems. They can implement policies that promote women's access to resources, markets, and education. By prioritizing gender-responsive policies and allocating resources to support women-led initiatives, governments can foster an inclusive and equitable food system.
Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society:
Have been at the forefront of advocating for gender equality in food systems. They can continue to raise awareness, conduct research, and push for policy changes that address gender-based inequalities. They can also provide training, capacity-building programs, and support networks for women in the sector.
Private Sector and Businesses:
Including agri-food companies, retailers, and investors, they can promote gender diversity and equity within their organizations, support women-led enterprises through partnerships and investments, and create market opportunities for women producers and entrepreneurs.
Academic and Research Institutions:
Can contribute by integrating gender perspectives into their curriculum and research. They can provide scholarships, fellowships, and mentorship programs specifically targeting women in food-related fields. By promoting gender-inclusive research and knowledge sharing, they can drive evidence-based policies and practices.
Consumers and Communities:
Have the power to drive change through their choices and actions. By supporting women-led businesses, buying from local farmers and food producers, and advocating for gender equality in their communities, individuals can contribute to creating a more inclusive and equitable food system.
Collaboration and partnerships among these stakeholders are crucial to accelerate progress. By working together, we can create a holistic approach that addresses systemic barriers, supports women's empowerment, and ensures that diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of food systems transformation.
By advocating for equity and empowering women to reclaim their power, we foster an inclusive society that values the harmonious interplay of feminine and masculine energies. In this collective endeavor, we can create a climate-resilient world free from hunger, where Earth becomes a home for even more than 10 billion people. This future envisions a planet free from scarcity, where boundless possibilities and shared prosperity flourish, paving the way for a sustainable and thriving future for all.
Want to get nerdy about it?
The Status of Women in Agri-Food Systems - by FAO (2023):
This report provides a comprehensive, global view of the status of women in agri-food systems - AFS, beyond agriculture. Highlights how different segments of AFS are conditioned by structural inequalities linked to gender and/or intersecting social and economic differentiation. Reflects evolution from a focus on gender gaps to promoting gender-transformative change. Places gender equality and women's empowerment as an objective in and of itself, and as a means to improve broader welfare in AFS.
The State of Food and Agriculture (SOFA): Women in Agriculture – Closing the Gender Gap for Development" - by FAO (2010–11):
This report highlights the business case for closing existing gender gaps in accessing agricultural assets, inputs, and services. It emphasizes the tremendous costs of gender inequality, not only for women but also for agriculture, the broader economy, and society as a whole. The report documents the importance of achieving gender equality and empowering women in the agri-food sector. It presents evidence of the gender gaps that persist in different dimensions of welfare and economic livelihoods, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions.
Gender in Agriculture Sourcebook - by The World Bank (2009):
This comprehensive resource provides insights into the role of women in agriculture, highlighting the importance of gender equality for agricultural development and food security. It covers various aspects, including land rights, access to resources, and women's empowerment.
Gender and Food Security: Towards Gender-Just Food and Nutrition Security - by FAO (2012):
This report explores the links between gender, food security, and nutrition. It analyzes the constraints faced by women in food systems and presents strategies to enhance gender equality and women's empowerment in agriculture and food security.
The Female Advantage: Women's Ways of Leadership - by Sally Helgesen and Julie Johnson (1995):
Although not specifically focused on food systems, this book highlights the unique strengths and leadership styles that women bring to various fields, including business and organizations. It offers valuable insights into the potential contributions of women in shaping food systems.
Women in Agriculture: Closing the Gender Gap for Development - by Ruth Meinzen-Dick, Agnes Quisumbing, Julia Behrman, and Amber Peterman (2019):
This book focuses on the gender gap in agriculture and provides evidence-based insights on how closing the gap can lead to improved agricultural productivity, nutrition, and well-being. It explores the barriers faced by women farmers and presents policy recommendations for promoting gender equality in agriculture.