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CFS voluntary guidelines on gender equality and women's and girls' empowerment in the context of food security and nutrition

Year of publication 2024

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 62 p.

Author Committee on World Food Security

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Document

Synopsis (short abstract) Currently, the global food system produces enough food to feed every person on the planet. However, due to a range of challenges, an increasing number of people in both rural and urban areas are failing to realize their right to adequate food as a component of the right to an adequate standard of living and meet their daily food and nutritional needs. Discrimination and inequalities worsen food insecurity and various forms of malnutrition, particularly for women and girls. Food insecurity, which had grown in 2020 under the shadow of the COVID-19 pandemic, worsened even further in 2021, exacerbating gender inequality and disproportionately affecting women and girls, in particular among Indigenous Peoples, local communities, migrants, displaced persons and refugees, older women, and persons with disabilities. In this challenging global context, addressing gender inequality and achieving the realization of women’s and girls’ rights is urgent and more important than ever to achieve food security and nutrition for all.

Last updated 12/11/2024

Statutory body / Meeting title Committee on World Food Security (CFS)

Cite this content as:

CFS. 2024. CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition. FAO, Rome


Language English

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    Despite years of progress and global commitments, gender disparities and discrimination in food security persist around the world, particularly affecting women and girls in vulnerable situations. Gender equality and women’s empowerment are central to achieving the Committee on World Food Security (CFS)’ vision to achieve food security for all, by raising levels of nutrition, improving agricultural productivity and natural resource management, and improving the lives of people in rural areas with full and equitable participation in decision-making. Without gender equality and women’s economic, social and political empowerment, food security will not be achieved. The CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment (GEWGE) in the context of Food Security and Nutrition are a crucial policy guidance instrument developed by the CFS to promote gender equality and empower women and girls in the context of food systems.
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    Promoting the dissemination and uptake of the​ Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition​​
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    FAO actively participated in the development, consultation and negotiation process of the VG-GEWGE. The implementation of the guidelines is voluntary by definition and depends on political will and targeted investment of time and human resources. Through the Commit to Grow Equality initiative, FAO has stated its support to the uptake and dissemination of the VG-GEWGE. A testament to its engagement, in January 2025, FAO launched a multi-year programme to support the uptake of the VG-GEWGE with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Additional programme activities are funded by Global Affairs Canada, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the French Republic.This programme overview flyer provides a snapshot of programme activities and goals from 2025-2027.
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    Promoting the dissemination and uptake of the​ Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition​​ 2025
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    The Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality and Women’s and Girls’ Empowerment in the Context of Food Security and Nutrition (VG-GEWGE) are a unique opportunity to be seized. The guidelines are the first inter-governmental and multistakeholder negotiated policy instrument aligning the objectives and agendas of food security and nutrition with gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment. Negotiated by 130+ countries, the VG-GEWGE represent a landmark achievement in which Committee on World Food Security (CFS) Members commit to tackle gender inequalities for enhanced food security and nutrition. They provide an important normative umbrella and entry point for the development of policies and programmes at country level addressing the root causes of gender-based discrimination, including rigid social norms. FAO actively participated in the development, consultation and negotiation process of the VG-GEWGE. The implementation of the guidelines is voluntary by definition and depends on political will and targeted investment of time and human resources. Through the Commit to Grow Equality initiative, FAO has stated its support to the uptake and dissemination of the VG-GEWGE. A testament to its engagement, in January 2025, FAO launched a multi-year programme to promote the uptake of the VG-GEWGE with the support of the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). Additional programme activities are funded by Global Affairs Canada, the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture, and the Government of France.
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