By Marilyn Shapley, InterAction

The Chicago Council on Global Affairs and InterAction, in collaboration with the House Hunger Caucus and the Senate Hunger Caucus, hosted the fourth event in an international food and nutrition security briefing series, “What’s Food Got to Do with It?” on Tuesday, October 20, 2015 with a panel discussion entitled, “The Increasingly Pivotal Role Women Play in Global Agriculture.”

The panel explored the critical role that women play in the agriculture sector and their impact on economic growth. Elise Young, Senior Advisor for Gender Mainstreaming and Thought Leadership at FHI 360, moderated the briefing. Panelists included Hazel Malapit from IFPRI, Paul Miller from Lutheran World Relief, and Amy Braun from the Kellogg Company.

Since 1978, the number of farms operated by women has more than doubled. Studies continue to show that women in Africa and elsewhere have significant roles as agriculture workers and actors in the food processing chain. The discussion focused on how fresh data and innovative programming have showcased new thinking for improving women’s participation in the sector while increasing agriculture outputs. Referencing successful projects implemented in Bangladesh, Honduras, and elsewhere, the panelists discussed programs and policies in the public and private sector that empower women in food and nutrition security sectors. They also highlighted the obstacles that remain and how women’s inclusion in these areas is vital to achieving sustainable, inclusive economic growth.