**HER+: Pioneering Gender Equality in Agrifood Systems**
CGIAR, a leading global research partnership, has long been dedicated to transforming the world’s food, land, and water systems amid climate change. Celebrating its 50th anniversary under the “One CGIAR” banner, the organization has been lauded for unifying its efforts across regions. A standout initiative from CGIAR, however, is its HER+ program, which seeks to advance gender equality and empower women within agrifood systems across low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Through its recently released “HER+ Gender Equality Impact Story Book,” CGIAR showcases the profound strides made in addressing barriers to gender equality, offering a beacon of hope and a model for sustainable development worldwide.
**A Milestone in Gender Equality Initiatives**
HER+ leverages partnerships with governments, agricultural research institutions, civil society organizations, and rural communities to tackle structural gender inequalities in agrifood systems. Launched as a pivotal part of CGIAR’s impact initiatives, HER+ aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to foster climate adaptation, mitigate environmental challenges, and bolster social inclusion.
In recent years, the focus of HER+ has been on reshaping gender norms and increasing women’s participation in economic activities traditionally dominated by men. From introducing innovative guidelines for gender-sensitive agricultural practices to promoting sustainable land management, HER+ has made significant inroads.
**Local Impact: Transformative Stories from the Ground**
The “HER+ Gender Equality Impact Story Book” compiles narratives demonstrating successful interventions in several countries, including Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, and Nigeria. For instance, in Nigeria and Tanzania, HER+ co-designed guides have effectively addressed restrictive gender norms within key value chains such as cassava and poultry. By forging partnerships with national research bodies and utilizing socio-technical innovation bundles, HER+ empowers rural women to pivot toward more profitable agricultural endeavors.
In India, collaboration with government institutions and NGOs has resulted in learning labs that boost women’s resilience and economic empowerment. These labs focus on piloting gender-responsive innovation packages for livestock farming, tackling the socio-economic obstacles women face in accessing resources and transforming agricultural practices.
**Global Implications: Building a Framework for Equality**
The success stories from HER+ have implications that resonate beyond local communities. They serve as examples of how gender equality can be interwoven into broader agricultural and economic systems, benefiting entire societies. With the support of stakeholders like the ISEAL Alliance, HER+ has worked to integrate gender equality considerations into Voluntary Sustainability Standards and programs across more than 100 countries.
This has led to not only immediate improvements in women’s livelihoods but also long-term enhancements in community well-being and environmental stewardship. The HER+ program exemplifies how sustainable practices, when aligned with social equity goals, can provide a model for countries aiming to achieve more inclusive and resilient food systems.
**Balanced Perspective: A Way Forward**
While HER+ presents a promising framework, challenges remain in scaling efforts and ensuring sustainable funding. Balancing innovation with resource management is crucial as countries navigate post-pandemic recovery and climate-induced disruptions.
Julia Roberts, a policy expert on gender and development issues, comments, “The HER+ program illustrates an intersection of innovation and equality. But accessing continuous funding, especially in the wake of global economic shocks, will be crucial in maintaining the momentum.”
Moreover, while gender norms are slowly evolving, deep-rooted beliefs and practices can take years to transform fully. Continued engagement with local leaders and community members remains essential for fostering change across generations.
**The Road Ahead: Sustaining Progress**
Looking ahead, HER+ plans to broaden its reach, involving more countries and communities, and refining its methodologies based on shared learnings and outcomes. Ongoing evaluation and adaptation will be key to advancing gender equality in agrifood systems sustainably.
For those interested in following HER+’s progress or engaging with CGIAR’s broader spectrum of initiatives, visiting their [website](https://www.cgiar.org/) provides additional resources and opportunities for involvement.
As CGIAR and HER+ continue to champion gender equality, their work inspires a collective commitment to fairness and sustainability, ensuring no community is left behind in the quest for a more equitable world.
In conclusion, HER+ stands as a testament to proactive measures facilitating gender inclusion and equality. It exemplifies how targeted initiatives can significantly change communities, setting a global precedent for integrating gender considerations into sustainable agricultural practices. As residents across various regions witness these changes, there’s a renewed optimism that gender equality within agrifood systems is achievable, tangible, and, most importantly, impactful.
