Abstract:
Globally, gender inequalities constrain food security, with women often disproportionately
affected. Women play a fundamental role in household food and nutrition security. The multiple roles
women play in various areas of the food system are not always recognised. This oversight emerges
from an overemphasis on one aspect of the food system, without considering how this area might
affect or be affected by another aspect. This study aimed to draw on international commitments
and treaties using content analysis to enhance the Global Panel on Agriculture and Food Security
food systems framework by integrating a gender perspective. The study found that generally, there
is a consensus on specific actions that can be taken to advance gender equality at specific stages
of the food system. However, governance and social systems constraints that are not necessarily
part of the food system, but have a significant bearing on men and women’s capacity to effectively
participate in the food system, need to be addressed. While the proposed conceptual framework has
some limitations, it offers a foundation on which researchers, policymakers and other stakeholders
can begin conceptualising the interconnectedness of gender barriers in the food system.
