Cross-regional webinar spotlights practical pathways to advance women’s economic empowerment in agrifood systems

On 7 April 2026, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) convened the first session through its Regional Offices for the Near East and North Africa (RNE), Sub-Saharan Africa (RAF), and Europe and Central Asia (REU). The webinar brought together 160 participants and perspectives from the Near East and North Africa, Sub Saharan Africa, Europe and Central Asia to examine how the Voluntary Guidelines can be applied to strengthen food security and nutrition. The VG-GEWGE are global policy instruments designed to address gender-based challenges in food security and nutrition. This webinar created a space for regions to exchange practical solutions for translating global guidance into country-level action.

Moderated by Sophia Ngugi, RNE Gender Officer, the session focused on women’s economic and social empowerment in agrifood systems, including access to decent work, entrepreneurship, and financial services. Opening presentations by Marianna Bicchieri and Bethel Terefe outlined key gender gaps at global and regional levels, with reflections on how these challenges affect countries in the regions.

The webinar was framed by the International Year of the Woman Farmer (IYWF), aimed to contribute in increasing visibility of women’s contributions to agrifood systems while highlighting persistent structural barriers. In the NENA region, where women play an important but often underrecognized role in agriculture, this focus is particularly relevant. In his opening remarks, Ayman Omer, Deputy Regional Representative for RAF, described the IYWF as a global call to recognize and invest in women who sustain agrifood systems despite ongoing inequalities.

The presentations and online participants acknowledged that women in the NENA region face interconnected challenges. These include limited access to finance, restricted ownership and control over productive resources, and barriers to entering and expanding agrifood businesses. Informal and vulnerable employment remains common, especially in rural areas, while access to social protection and decision-making processes is often limited.

These constraints are reinforced by social norms that shape women’s mobility, time use, and access to opportunities. Unpaid care responsibilities and limited access to services further restrict women’s participation in economic activities. As a result, women’s contributions to agrifood systems are often undervalued and underpaid.

The webinar focused on how to translate the Voluntary Guidelines into practical action. The presenters highlighted that the Guidelines offer a framework for governments and partners in NENA to design inclusive policies and programmes and to move from commitments on gender equality to measurable progress.

Regional insights grounded the discussion. From Jordan, Thana’a Al Khasawneh stressed the need to support women entrepreneurs beyond technical training by improving access to finance, strengthening market linkages, and expanding social protection. Her intervention reflected broader regional challenges, where women-led enterprises often face structural barriers to growth. Other speakers included Ms Beatrice Gkuba and Dr Prince Oppong Kwarteng representing Sub Saharan Africa, and Mrs Margit Batthyány representing the REU region.

The discussions also emphasized the importance of community-based approaches. Strengthening women’s organizations, cooperatives, and local networks was identified as key to improving access to resources, services, and markets, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas.

Further, the sessions highlighted the need for integrated solutions, including support for women’s transition from informal to formal employment and better alignment between economic empowerment efforts and the reduction of unpaid care work. The discussions also underscored the importance of addressing intersecting inequalities affecting rural women.

In closing, the speakers stressed that bridging the gap between policy and practice remains a key challenge. While frameworks such as the VG-GEWGE provide direction, progress depends on sustained investment, strong partnerships, and locally driven action.

Advancing women’s economic empowerment in agrifood systems in NENA requires targeted support, inclusive policies, and practical solutions that respond to the realities women face; and a deliberate effort by governments, development actors, and practitioners to operationalize the Voluntary Guidelines through concrete programmes, reforms, and implementation mechanisms.

Relevant links:

Webinar recording (7 April):

Passcode: 3ei*Xj=w

Find the Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment here. 

E-learning course here.

Find the status of women in agrifood systems report here. 

Find out more about the International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026 here.