Women’s empowerment in agriculture – Project presentation of FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, women account for more than 20% of the official employment statistics in agriculture, forestry and fisheries. But they face a number of challenges such as gender pay gap; informality of jobs; triple work burden and poor access to social services, to mention a few. Women's access to productive resources, financial assets and lack of marketing opportunities prevent them from engaging in successful business strategies.

In response to above-mentioned gaps, Food and Agriculture Organization of United Nations and State Agro Trade Company under the Ministry of Agriculture initiated AFAQ (Azerbaijani Women in Agriculture) project in the framework of FAO Azerbaijan Partnership Program. The main goal of the project is improved food security, socially inclusive rural development and sustainable livelihoods as a result of rural women’s empowerment.

The high-level event is aimed at presenting the project.

Within the project technical support will be provided for the strengthening of gender-sensitive rural advisory services, women’s self-organization and access to information networks supported, and visibility of women and girls’ roles in agriculture and rural livelihoods enhanced to achieve social and behavioural change. In addition, women entrepreneurs will be supported through improved access to markets and credits, and capacity development on business creation, expansion and marketing development.