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CropLife shines spotlight on women in research: Their role in policymaking is essential to food security
CropLife Philippines Executive Director Ramon Abadilla also recognized the expertise of women in research and policy building, for their contributions to the knowledge economy has dispelled many myths about biotechnology and helped bridge the gap among genders in the field.
“It has been our pleasure at CropLife to engage with experts across all genders and we have been fortunate to have worked with some of the brightest minds in the academe. Their studies have steered many policies that have benefitted farmers on the ground, both male and female and contributed greatly to the nation’s food security,” he said. He cited that currently, research indicates a strong correlation between increased female workforce participation and economic growth. In fact, the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that narrowing the gender gap in labor force participation by 25% by 2025 could raise global GDP by $5.8 trillion, or 3.9%. If rural women had equal access to agricultural resources, education, and markets, global food production could rise, potentially alleviating hunger for 100 to 150 million people. To drive meaningful change, comprehensive strategies are essential. This includes ensuring rural women have equal access to land, financial services, and income-generating opportunities. Public policies should focus on fair wages, social protections like maternity benefits, and entrepreneurship training. Changing societal norms to encourage shared household responsibilities and address time poverty is crucial for improving women's economic participation. Representation through cooperatives and collective bargaining can empower women in decision-making. Financial institutions need to implement gender-responsive strategies to enhance rural women's access to credit. Initiatives to prevent workplace harassment and promote the roles of indigenous women in sustainable agriculture are also important. Finally, collecting gender-specific data on rural employment can inform effective policies. Through women’s continued participation in all stages of process, Abadilla said that he has no doubt about the impact they will continue to create in the agriculture sector. |
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