Rome is only the beginning…

The final declaration highlighted areas for improvement, with a focus on poor women farmers.

Tsehay, a woman marginal farmer, Uganda:

Voices, stories, faces have power. Power has many faces. Women’s voices transcend language and transcend countries.

Actions

Encouragingly, the declaration explicitly mentioned the need to support smallholder and women farmers. However, it remains to be seen how these promises will be translated into concrete actions to benefit women farmers.

Passion and dedication

Concern also attended a parallel Civil Society Forum where over 640 small-scale farmers, fisher people, pastoralists and NGOs participated. This was an inspiring forum where people from developing countries demonstrated their knowledge, passion and dedication to work for a world without hunger.

The issues discussed resonated with our recent report on poor women farmers in Zambia. Lots of farmers praised the report for highlighting important issues that exist, not just in Zambia, but for women all over the world.

According to Lucita, Philippines:

Whilst men are away, women were worried about what to eat – we planted the seed, looked after the seed, cared for the seeds and built personal relationships with nature. But we continue to be ignored.

Unheard Voices

Concern’s campaign “Unheard Voices” has highlighted the fact that women are at the heart of the global fight against hunger. But much more needs to be done. Policies, funding and services need to be adapted to suit poor women farmers.

This is only the beginning and your support is needed to push for fairer outcomes for women like Tsehay and Lucita. 

Concern's Mairi Mac Rae blogged from Rome