The FLIARA project was proudly represented at Women in Agrifood Stories 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal, a key event in the agrifood sector where leaders and innovators came together to shape the future of food systems on December 4th, 2024. The event’s panel, The Intersection of Agrifood and Gender: Addressing Inequality for a More Inclusive Future, sparked vital discussions on the importance of gender equality in agrifood systems.
FLIARA’s Project Coordinator, Associate Professor Maura Farrell, was a distinguished panellist, alongside other prominent experts. The conversation focused on the critical actions needed to create a more inclusive and resilient agrifood sector. Key points of agreement included:
- Ensuring more women are present at decision-making tables
- Providing better access to funding for women entrepreneurs
- Building supportive communities where women can thrive
- Closing the data gap on the situation of women in the agrifood sector
The discussions also emphasised that EU policy must reflect the needs of women in agrifood, including measures for work-life balance and pay transparency. As Maura Farrell highlighted during her intervention, addressing entrenched cultural stereotypes and providing women with access to land are essential steps toward creating more equitable opportunities within the sector.
The event, which celebrated the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme by EIT Food, also showcased the innovative business ideas developed by women entrepreneurs across Europe. With participation from countries like Bulgaria, Italy, Spain, and Turkey, the programme provided a platform for impactful networking and the exchange of groundbreaking solutions aimed at improving the future of food.
As experts like Aleksandra Niżyńska and Ayşe Sabuncu pointed out, the agrifood sector must lead the charge in fostering diversity and inclusive practices. By prioritising women’s involvement in food system transformation, we can ensure a more resilient and sustainable future.
The discussions at Women in Agrifood Stories 2024 served as a powerful reminder that for food systems to truly thrive, the voices of women must be heard at every level. Learn more about EWA: https://www.eitfood.eu/projects/ewa-empowering-women-in-agrifood