Securing Rights of Women Farmers: DEVELOPING A ROADMAP FOR ACTION

Women farmers comprise approximately 65 per cent of the agricultural workforce in India. However, gender-specific barriers do not allow women farmers equal economic rights and opportunity, and they remain under-resourced, under-represented, unacknowledged and almost invisible. A comprehensive framework for addressing gender gaps in laws, institutions, policies and programmes in the agricultural sector is essential for recognition and empowerment of women farmers and equal human rights for all, as well as for achieving national and global development goals for food and nutrition security, poverty eradication, and sustainable development.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) , Mahila Kisan Adhikar Manch (MAKAAM – Forum for Women Farmers’ Rights) and UN Women have come together in a unique partnership to collectively review legislation and policy frameworks, and advocate for removing barriers, as well as for creation of an enabling ecosystem for women farmers to realise their rights.