In collaboration with our partner Union for Mediterranean, as part of the UfM High-Level Women 4 Mediterranean Conference 2020, the CIHEAM is organizing a side event about Mainstreaming gender in Covid-19 recovery responses in agri food sectors and rural areas.
During COVID-19, the role of women has been and still is essential. They have been on the frontline in the agriculture sector but also in processing and distribution professions. Yet, this role came with a high exposure to risks and infection. In many countries, specific measures have been taken to support informal workers who did not have access to the “standard” social protection systems. However, a significant proportion of women working in the informal economy remained excluded from welfare schemes and financial compensation during lockdown. In rural areas, women have less access to essential services and during times of emergency this access to services is often more compromised.
Existing inequalities are often exacerbated during pandemics and crises. For that, COVID-19 threatens the livelihoods of the poorest and most vulnerable populations. A rise in poverty will have an impact on the food and nutritional security of families, particularly on women and girls who have already present nutritional vulnerabilities.
Discussion points:
This event is organized by CIHEAM. CIHEAM Bari will be represented by Maroun El Moujabber, in charge of “Gender SMART Project: “Gender in Science Management of Agriculture; life sciences, including Research and Teaching” and Silvia Barbatello, Project Coordinator, GEMAISA Network.
