ADB scaled up investments in food and nutrition security across Asia and the Pacific. Women and girls were central to agrifood systems, playing vital roles as farmers, wage workers, retailers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. However, entrenched gender inequalities within and beyond the household continued to constrain their access to productive assets, information, fair wages, and adequate, nutritious diets.

To kick off the Nutrition-Gender Webinar Series, the inaugural session titled “Status of Women in Agrifood Systems: Unlocking Opportunities for Food and Nutrition Security in Asia and the Pacific” was held via Zoom on 21 July, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. The event featured a keynote presentation by Lauren Phillips, Deputy Director at the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), who presented key findings from FAO’s 2023 report on women in agrifood systems. She shared evidence and practical insights on the critical roles women played in these systems, and why strengthening women’s agency and leadership was essential for food security, better nutrition, and more resilient, productive food systems. The presentation was followed by a discussion with ADB on what these findings meant for ADB’s investments in Asia and the Pacific.