Kathmandu: The Parliamentary Dialogue on Advancing Gender-Responsive Food Security and Biodiversity Governance, organized by FAO Nepal in partnership with the Women Rights and Resource Network (WRRN) under the project on strengthening women parliamentarians and local leaders, brought together over 150 participants–including around 70 Members of Parliament across federal and provincial assemblies–to strengthen gender-responsive approaches to climate, biodiversity, and food security.
Addressing the dialogue, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal, Mr Ken Shimizu, highlighted Nepal’s growing vulnerability to climate change and biodiversity loss, stressing that women–who form nearly half of the agricultural workforce–remain central to resilience despite persistent productivity gaps. Closing this gap, he noted, is key to unlocking transformative gains for food security and economies.
Ms Aarati Pathak, WRRN Chairperson, welcomed participants, while Chief Guest Hon. Lila Kumari Bhandari emphasized elevating women’s leadership and translating lived experiences into stronger policies. The dialogue reinforced a clear message: empowering women is essential to building resilient agrifood systems and a sustainable future for Nepal.
