Successful community-based programs require that the entire community be engaged, and USC assists women in their aspirations to access the resources that will allow them to express and meet their needs and priorities.

Gender equality programming is, by far, the most complex and challenging components of our work; however, programming that is inclusive – that addresses the knowledge, needs, and priorities of all key actors – has a far better chance of being sustained.

Women farmers play crucial roles in seed conservation and enhancement. They’re not only the single largest group of seed selectors and savers in the world, but they also read the landscapes that nurture diverse seed varieties. To achieve food security and build economic growth, women’s leadership in all aspects of food production (and therefore in their communities) must be acknowledged and supported.

Our gender equality work involves actively listening to women; facilitating training and material support; and providing organizational and leadership opportunities. It also incorporates strategies that call on men to challenge women’s marginalization and to help with building social relationships that are fair and for the betterment of all. Through the activities listed below, we aim to increase the influence of women’s knowledge, priorities, and leadership in food production and food security work.

Activities

• Conducting gender audits and analysis with all partner organizations.
• Supporting gender awareness forums and events.
• Conducting leadership training and promotion.
• Facilitating organizational and leadership opportunities for women in all participating communities.
• Supporting women-led agricultural production activities.
• Supporting women as lead farmers in Participatory Plant Breeding (PPB) and Participatory Varietal Selection (PVS) activities.
• Supporting income generation activities specific to women.