Launch of ECOWAS Network of Parliamentarians on Gender Equality and Investments in Agriculture and Food Security

Agriculture provides a livelihood for more people globally than any other sector, representing almost 50 per cent of total employment in poor countries.

But the outcomes of agricultural investments for men and women differ in rural areas where gender inequalities are persistent.

When women do not have access to land, they are excluded from participating in consultations and decision-making processes between the investor and the community, which poses major challenges to women’s livelihoods and household food security.

This is why over 40 Parliamentarians from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) joined forces to create the ECOWAS Network of Parliamentarians on Gender Equality and Investments in Agriculture and Food Security. 

The goal of the Network is to foster inclusive and gender equitable agricultural investment in the ECOWAS countries conducive to food and nutrition security and poverty reduction.

The launch of the network will take place December 11 in Abuja, Nigeria, in partnership with ECOWAS, FAO, IISD and Oxfam.