Our Commitment to Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems
As we commemorate International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) 2024, the focus on advancing the roles of women in shaping Africa’s agri-food systems is paramount. This year’s theme, “Empowering Women in Rural Areas through Education and Access to Technology: Bridging the Gap for Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa,” underscores the critical need for inclusive development.
At the heart of this commemoration lies the imperative to gather comprehensive land data, particularly concerning women. This data not only highlights the inequalities faced by rural women but also catalyzes targeted interventions to improve land governance and access. Promoting equal land rights for women is a cornerstone of the International Land Coalition (ILC)’s mission. Through the Stand for Her Land campaign, ILC continues to advocate for laws and policies that empower women, recognizing that land ownership is a fundamental enabler of sustainable livelihoods and resilient food systems.
"When rural women are empowered with land rights and access to resources, they become powerful agents of change, driving not just their families but entire communities towards sustainable development. We must continue to push for policies that put women at the center of land governance in Africa." – Ms. Frances Birungi Odong, Steering Committee Member, ILC Africa’s Regional Platform on Women Land Rights & Executive Director, UCOBAC, Uganda.
Despite the progress made in many African countries with responsive laws, the reality is that rural women still face significant barriers to fully enjoying these rights. Legal reforms are only the beginning. The gap between policy and practice must be bridged to ensure that rural women can benefit from the resources and opportunities that land ownership affords.
ILC considers it a duty of care to support small-scale women farmers, acknowledging their vital role in Africa’s agricultural productivity. Through collaborative partnerships with the African Union (AU), ILC is working to advocate for improved land productivity, recognizing the challenges women face in accessing and securing land rights. Women are the backbone of rural economies, and their empowerment is key to building inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems across Africa.
As we celebrate IDRW 2024, let us renew our commitment to promoting equitable access to land, education, and technology for rural women, ensuring they are at the forefront of shaping Africa’s future.