Gender inclusive food systems for sustainable healthy diets in low and middle-income countries

Abstract

ABSTRACT Around the world, women along with men are key actors in every aspect of food systems, as farmers, processors, wageworkers, traders, and consumers. Despite their significant role, the evidence shows that women are not only structurally disadvantaged in the food system, but also their contributions are often undervalued. Unraveling the gender dynamics in food systems is necessary to address gender inequalities and develop efficient, inclusive, and resilient food systems. Some positive actions toward inclusion are being integrated, however, more efforts are needed. To achieve sustainable food systems, gender equity, and women’s empowerment are needed across different nodes of the food systems. Men and women have different experiences and different strategies throughout the food system. Therefore, understanding such gender differences could facilitate the development of gender-sensitive policies and programs that could help achieve sustainable, nutrition-sensitive, and inclusive food systems. We have used the most recent food systems framework developed by the High-Level Panel of Experts (HLPE) and examined the perspective on how gender dynamics shape men’s and women’s participation in food systems and to identify the entry points for improved gender equity and inclusion to attain sustainable food systems for healthy diets in low and middle-income countries.