Food security and gender equality: an international legal aspect

Abstract

The article focuses on the issue of gender equality in the field of food security. It is noted that gender inequality is the main cause and consequence of hunger and poverty. It is emphasised that the realisation of the right to food requires overcoming historically and structurally based inequalities that undermine the accessibility, adequacy, sufficiency and sustainability of food systems. The role of the World Food Programme (hereinafter – WFP) is highlighted, under the auspices of which a number of gender policies have been adopted, evolving from a women-centred approach to a focus on gender equality.  In particular, the 1996-2001 and 2003-2007 policies define the role and contribution of women in relation to food security and WFP's food assistance mission. WFP Gender Policy 2009 established a framework for further mainstreaming gender into WFP policies, operations and programmes at all levels; it broadened the focus from a commitment to women to gender issues, including the concerns, challenges and responsibilities of women and men.  The goal of the WFP Gender Policy 2015-2020 was to enable WFP to integrate gender equality and women's empowerment into all its work and activities to ensure that the different food security and nutrition needs of women, men, girls and boys are met The WFP Gender Policy 2022 ensures that WFP optimises its presence, role and capacity in partnerships to advance gender equality and women's empowerment. Attention is paid to the Voluntary guidelines on gender equality and women’s and girls’ empowerment in the context of food security and nutrition, endorsed by the Committee on World Food Security. It is stated that the main purpose of the Guidelines is to assist Member States, development partners and other stakeholders in ensuring gender equality and the rights of women and girls, empowering them and giving them a leading role in efforts to eliminate hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition. The activities of the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations in this area are also described.