The Federal Government has said that a functional national gender policy was pivotal in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women farmers, considered to be the backbone of the agriculture sector.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, stated this at a stakeholder meeting between the ministry, International Centre for Environmental Health and Development (ICEHD), and other stakeholders in Abuja to strategize on the review of the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
Dr. Ogunbiyi, represented by Director Special Duties, Mrs. Kachallah Damaturu stated that the essence of the meeting was to review the National Gender Policy on Agriculture, which has become necessary to promote sustainable agricultural practices, empower farmers and enhance food security.
He also noted that the review was due, having spent five years lifespan.
Launched in October 2019, the policy was pivotal in addressing the unique challenges faced by rural women farmers.
Ogunbiyi pointed out that the Ministry’s mission aligns with the goals of ICEHD and recognized the value of collaboration in driving meaningful change.
He stated that through partnership, the Ministry aims to strengthen the policy framework, enhance capacity building, and promote gender equality.
According to him, “We must recognize the importance of a collaborative approach. We will work closely with ICEHD, and other non-governmental organizations, civil society, and the private sector to ensure our efforts are complementary and effective.”
In her welcome address, Director Special Duties, Mrs. Kachallah Damaturu said that the review of the gender policy was not just an administrative task, rather an opportunity to enhance women’s participation, address barriers they face, and ensure equitable access to resources and opportunities.
“We seek to identify gaps in our current policy framework and explore innovative strategies that can empower women in agriculture.
“Your contributions are invaluable as we strive for a more inclusive agricultural landscape”, Mrs. Damaturu added.
In her goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, represented by Director Gender Affairs, Adamu Samaila Web, stated that the review was an opportunity to refine and strengthen the policy to reflect the evolving needs of women, men and youths in the Agriculture sector.
She added that it was a moment to ensure that the voices of those most affected by systematic inequalities are heard and their contributions recognized, adding that it is also a call to action for all stakeholders, government, private sector, civil society and development partner to work collaboratively and purposefully towards translating the policy into impactful change.
Highlight of the event was the general discussions on the policy review process by the National Gender Steering committee, overview of the existing policy, the journey so far on the policy implementation process and the presentation on findings of the situational analysis of gender based violence in agrifood systems.
In attendance were representatives of the National Council of Climate Change, NCCC, Federal Ministry of Environment, Women farmers associations and cooperatives, AGRA, Policy Innovative Centre, Plan International, amongst others.