Gender

Research in agricultural settings have shown that women have been marginalised, discriminated against, excluded, and they do not receive equal opportunities, whether as workers and/or smallholders. This not only affects women but also the family as a whole. Difficulties faced by women in agriculture include unrecognised landownership and land use, lack of training, lack of equal job opportunities, lack of protection (physical protection from harassment, and financial protection, e.g. insurance coverage because of their informal jobs), and lack of recognition for work performed, both as workers and smallholders.

Similar constraints are encountered by women working in the textile sector or other, more industrial settings. The empowerment of women in crucial to improve the household income situation. Policies to secure equal payment of men and women form an important part of a strong legislative framework, as well as the presence of social protection to secure access to education, childcare and medical services. As gender is a cross-cutting issue, it will be dealt with in greater detail in respective pillars.