Kathmandu: Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, UN Women Executive Director, joined in celebrating the International Year of Women Farmers in Nepal on May 13.
UN Women together with FAO, IFAD, and WFP ran a joint programme focusing on women and climate smart agriculture. This is an initiative that can be scaled up in Nepal and in the region. ED Gumbonzvanda said they value the government of Nepal’s Ministry of Agriculture as well as the Government of Finland for this significant investment and prioritisation of women empowerment.
They discussed food preservation, packaging and the skills that women in communities need, so that there is less wastage and products can compete on the market. Women shared how they are exporting their handwoven products to Australia and other countries. The partnership with IFAD is important due to the fact that women can go to scale with relevant support and financing.
They discussed how household food security and women’s economic security prevents violence against women and brings greater agency and voice for women and girls.
Featuring the voices of young women involved in agribusiness, the storytelling methodology has enabled UN Women and partners to understand the age-defined approaches and interventions, including using the arts and technology. Women farmers are going beyond livelihoods and subsistence, but contribute to the national and global economies.
