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Gender Equality in the Rural Sector: The Ever Persistent Challenge
Gender Equality in the Rural Sector: The Ever Persistent Challenge
Abstract Submissions Closed
Friday, 26 February 2021: 09:00-10:30
Location:
RC32 Women, Gender and Society (host committee)
Language: English
Session Type: Oral
At least 70 percent of the world’s very poor people live in rural areas in developing countries (IFAD 2011). Their livelihoods usually depend either directly or indirectly on agriculture, with women providing, on average, more than 40 percent of the agricultural labor force. This female labor ranges from approximately 20 percent in Latin America to up to 50 percent in Eastern Asia and Sub-Sahara Africa (FAO 2011). According to traditional patterns of work distribution within households, in most developing countries women are primarily responsible to meet the basic needs of their families. However, in spite of their important and diverse contributions, women in agriculture and rural areas have less access than men to productive resources. Gender inequality is present in many assets, inputs and services: access to or control over land, financial services, productive resources, and extension or marketing services. For example, men represent 85 percent of agricultural landholders in Sub-Sahara Africa. Policy makers and legal draftsmen who intend to improve gender balance must take into consideration the crucial role of women in society and in the reduction of gender inequality to improve the quality of social life. The purpose of this session is to discuss the profound consequences of regional and international trends in gender inequality in the rural sector.
Session Organizers: