Remarks on the Book Launching

Gender Equality and Food Security: Womens Empowerment as a Tool against Hunger
Lourdes S. Adriano
Advisor concurrently Practice Leader Agriculture, Food Security & Rural Development Asian Development Bank 24 July 2013

In June 2012, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food, Professor Olivier De Schutter, graced the Eminent Speakers Forum at the ADB headquarters in Manila. This was jointly organized by the Gender Equity and the Agriculture, Food Security, and Rural Development Communities of Practice. It turned out to be not only a most insightful meeting but a most productive one too. Professor de Schutters discussion on gender equality and food security motivated ADB to delve further into this topic. Through collaboration between the ADB and the FAO, a more in-depth study was commissioned focusing on the important role of women in food and nutrition security. The culmination of our year-long partnership is this seminal reportGender Equality and Food Security: Womens Empowerment as a Tool against Hunger atored mainly by Prof. de Schutter. What are the key take-away messages of this report? One, the dimension of ensuring equality between women and men and moving toward the empowerment of women should change our perspective about the direction of agricultural development as a whole, and where the key investments should be made in the future. If agriculture investments are focused on productivity-enhancing measures that are gender sensitive, the benefits go beyond increasing production for food. As women benefit, they ensure that their children are also co-benefactors through better food, education, and health. This is self-sustaining not only at the household level but also for the community and nation as a whole. More women beneficiaries mean more investments for future human capital and for sustainable nation building.

Two, these agriculture investments mutually reinforce women as actors for change. As they become economically empowered, women eventually become politically empowered. The mutually reinforcing effects are longlasting and can pave the foundation for inclusive spirally upward growth. Strengthening the status of women entails important benefits, both for household food security and for childrens health, nutrition and education. Indeed, no food security strategy is likely to succeed without taking into account this dimension of women's rights. Professor de Schutter summed it up wellstrengthening womens rights is the secret weapon against hunger. And on this note, let us give due recognition to the moving spirit that wove the words to give body and soul to this report. Let us thank the author, Professor Olivier De Schutter, for his dedication in writing the report under the pressure of a demanding work schedule. Let us also recognize the other movers and shakers that worked hard to bring this report into the light of day and for which we gather here in Bangkok in kindred spirit in the next two days. We extend our appreciation to Imrana Jalal, Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender) from ADB, who initiated the idea of publishing the report, provided technical guidance and support, end ensured that it was printed on time. It has been a positive experience working with the Gender Equity Community of Practice and Imrana. Imrana and I drafted the Terms of Reference for the project and shepherded it through a rigorous approval process. Imrana has been ably supported by Marjorie Javillonar, Associate Operations Analyst from ADB. Enormous gratitude is also owed Nandini Gunewardena, Gender and Rural Development Statistics Officer of the FAO, for guiding and technically supporting the preparation of the report. I would also like to mention Shanny Campbell, Senior Social Development Specialist (Gender); Sonomi Tanaka, Lead Social Development Specialist (Gender); and Wendy Walker, Senior Social Development Specialist; all from ADB, for their extensive and valuable comments and inputs. Apologies for those whom I may have missed.

We hope that readers will find this report about women as food producers and catalysts for change a useful and thought-provoking source of information and policy ideas. The right to food is also about the rights of women. Those who hold up half the sky and rock the cradle while tilling the fields and putting food on the table must be heard and recognized. On this note, I officially launch this publication on behalf of ADB and FAO.