INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ACCELERATING EQUALITY IN FOOD, LAND AND WATER SYSTEMS
Driving solutions through evidence and learning
7 to 9 October 2025
Cape Town
South Africa
179 DAYS 12 HOURS 25 MIN
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ACCELERATING EQUALITY IN FOOD, LAND AND WATER SYSTEMS
Driving solutions through evidence and learning
7 to 9 October 2025
Cape Town
South Africa
179 DAYS 12 HOURS 25 MIN
INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE
ACCELERATING EQUALITY IN FOOD, LAND AND WATER SYSTEMS
Driving solutions through evidence and learning
7 to 9 October 2025
Cape Town
South Africa
179 DAYS 12 HOURS 25 MIN
ABOUT THE 2025 GENDER CONFERENCE
Join us in Cape Town for the 2025 Gender Conference, a pivotal gathering at the intersection of gender equality and sustainable development. This year’s theme, “Accelerating Equality in Food, Land, and Water Systems,” highlights the urgent need to address gender disparities as we approach the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Bringing together global researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and civil society, the conference aims to uncover innovative solutions, share evidence-based practices, and foster collaboration to drive meaningful change. Through insightful discussions and interactive sessions, we’ll tackle the structural barriers that hinder progress, explore strategies to empower women and youth, and chart a course toward inclusive, climate-resilient food systems.
Be part of this transformative event as we unite to advance gender equality, social inclusion, and sustainable development worldwide.
IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract Submission Extended Deadline:
25 April 2025
Early Bird Registration Deadline:
30 May 2025
IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract Submission Extended Deadline:
25 April 2025
Early Bird Registration Deadline:
30 May 2025
IMPORTANT DATES
Abstract Submission Extended Deadline: 25 April 2025
Early Bird Registration Deadline: 30 May 2025
WHY ATTEND
COLLABORATION
Unique opportunity to engage with global experts and leaders.
INNOVATION
Explore innovative solutions to tackle gender inequalities.
IMPACT
Identify and discuss effective solutions to advance equality in food, land, and water systems.
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
CONFERENCE AiMS
The 2025 Gender Conference aims to accelerate gender equality and social inclusion in food, land, and water systems by identifying evidence-based solutions, fostering collaboration among global stakeholders, and driving policy and innovation that empower women, youth, and socially excluded groups for a more sustainable and resilient future.
Identify evidence-based solutions to reduce gender gaps, address their root causes, and empower youth in Food, Land, and Water Systems
Promote the development and implementation of gender-responsive and socially inclusive policies within Food, Land, and Water Systems
CONFERENCE THEMES
THEME 1
Shifting gender and social norms to enhance access, participation, and resilience for women, youth, and socially excluded groups in agri-food systems
Shifting gender and social norms is key to improving women’s access, participation, and resilience in agri-food systems, while also addressing inequalities faced by youth, and socially excluded groups. These norms shape behaviours and opportunities, often reinforcing barriers to equality. Tackling restrictive norms is essential for creating inclusive Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS).
THEME 2
Advancing women's empowerment in agri-food systems through scalable solutions
Women’s empowerment is both a goal and a driver of just transformation in Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS). Empowering women is key to unlocking their potential and advancing gender equality. Analysis of how empowerment links to technology adoption, nutrition, food security, productivity, and other outcomes, while identifying and scaling effective solutions to enhance women’s roles in FLWS is essential.
THEME 3
Effective strategies and innovations for enhancing resilience and livelihoods in Food, Land and Water Systems
Structural barriers limit the resilience of resource-poor women, youth, and socially excluded groups and their ability to adapt to climate risks and other challenges. Enhancing access to resources, paired with targeted social protection measures, is essential for building resilience and fostering inclusion in FLWS. Developing tools that better capture local concepts of women’s empowerment—including relational, psychological, and resilience dimensions—is also critical to addressing these disparities effectively.
THEME 4
Strategies to strengthen the leadership, voice, and influence of women, youth, Indigenous People, and socially excluded groups in Food, Land, and Water Systems
Amplifying the leadership of women, youth and socially excluded groups is crucial for developing equitable solutions to challenges in FLWS. Research on enhancing their voice and influence in FLWS governance is essential to ensure policies address their needs, distribute benefits equitably, and transform power dynamics.
THEME 5
Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth
Feeding future generations depends on engaging youth to build a vibrant food system, yet many young people are leaving agriculture for other opportunities, leaving behind an aging workforce. Political and environmental crises disproportionately affect youth, highlighting the need for better opportunities to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience. However, investments targeting youth remain limited and lack strategic, evidence-based approaches to tackle their diverse challenges and aspirations effectively.
THEME 1
Shifting gender and social norms to enhance access, participation, and resilience for women, youth, and socially excluded groups in agri-food systems
Shifting gender and social norms is key to improving women’s access, participation, and resilience in agri-food systems, while also addressing inequalities faced by youth, and socially excluded groups. These norms shape behaviours and opportunities, often reinforcing barriers to equality. Tackling restrictive norms is essential for creating inclusive Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS).
THEME 2
Advancing women's empowerment in agri-food systems through scalable solutions
Women’s empowerment is both a goal and a driver of just transformation in Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS). Empowering women is key to unlocking their potential and advancing gender equality. Analysis of how empowerment links to technology adoption, nutrition, food security, productivity, and other outcomes, while identifying and scaling effective solutions to enhance women’s roles in FLWS is essential.
THEME 3
Effective strategies and innovations for enhancing resilience and livelihoods in Food, Land and Water Systems
Structural barriers limit the resilience of resource-poor women, youth, and socially excluded groups and their ability to adapt to climate risks and other challenges. Enhancing access to resources, paired with targeted social protection measures, is essential for building resilience and fostering inclusion in FLWS. Developing tools that better capture local concepts of women’s empowerment—including relational, psychological, and resilience dimensions—is also critical to addressing these disparities effectively.
THEME 4
Strategies to strengthen the leadership, voice, and influence of women, youth, Indigenous People, and socially excluded groups in Food, Land, and Water Systems
Amplifying the leadership of women, youth and socially excluded groups is crucial for developing equitable solutions to challenges in FLWS. Research on enhancing their voice and influence in FLWS governance is essential to ensure policies address their needs, distribute benefits equitably, and transform power dynamics.
THEME 5
Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth
Feeding future generations depends on engaging youth to build a vibrant food system, yet many young people are leaving agriculture for other opportunities, leaving behind an aging workforce. Political and environmental crises disproportionately affect youth, highlighting the need for better opportunities to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience. However, investments targeting youth remain limited and lack strategic, evidence-based approaches to tackle their diverse challenges and aspirations effectively.
THEME 1
Shifting gender and social norms to enhance access, participation, and resilience for women, youth, and socially excluded groups in agri-food systems
Shifting gender and social norms is key to improving women’s access, participation, and resilience in agri-food systems, while also addressing inequalities faced by youth, and socially excluded groups. These norms shape behaviours and opportunities, often reinforcing barriers to equality. Tackling restrictive norms is essential for creating inclusive Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS).
THEME 2
Advancing women's empowerment in agri-food systems through scalable solutions
Women’s empowerment is both a goal and a driver of just transformation in Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS). Empowering women is key to unlocking their potential and advancing gender equality. Analysis of how empowerment links to technology adoption, nutrition, food security, productivity, and other outcomes, while identifying and scaling effective solutions to enhance women’s roles in FLWS is essential.
THEME 3
Effective strategies and innovations for enhancing resilience and livelihoods in Food, Land and Water Systems
Structural barriers limit the resilience of resource-poor women, youth, and socially excluded groups and their ability to adapt to climate risks and other challenges. Enhancing access to resources, paired with targeted social protection measures, is essential for building resilience and fostering inclusion in FLWS. Developing tools that better capture local concepts of women’s empowerment—including relational, psychological, and resilience dimensions—is also critical to addressing these disparities effectively.
THEME 4
Strategies to strengthen the leadership, voice, and influence of women, youth, Indigenous People, and socially excluded groups in Food, Land, and Water Systems
Amplifying the leadership of women, youth and socially excluded groups is crucial for developing equitable solutions to challenges in FLWS. Research on enhancing their voice and influence in FLWS governance is essential to ensure policies address their needs, distribute benefits equitably, and transform power dynamics.
THEME 5
Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth
Feeding future generations depends on engaging youth to build a vibrant food system, yet many young people are leaving agriculture for other opportunities, leaving behind an aging workforce. Political and environmental crises disproportionately affect youth, highlighting the need for better opportunities to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience. However, investments targeting youth remain limited and lack strategic, evidence-based approaches to tackle their diverse challenges and aspirations effectively.
THEME 1
Shifting gender and social norms to enhance access, participation, and resilience for women, youth, and socially excluded groups in agri-food systems
Shifting gender and social norms is key to improving women’s access, participation, and resilience in agri-food systems, while also addressing inequalities faced by youth, and socially excluded groups. These norms shape behaviours and opportunities, often reinforcing barriers to equality. Tackling restrictive norms is essential for creating inclusive Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS).
THEME 2
Advancing women's empowerment in agri-food systems through scalable solutions
Women’s empowerment is both a goal and a driver of just transformation in Food, Land, and Water Systems (FLWS). Empowering women is key to unlocking their potential and advancing gender equality. Analysis of how empowerment links to technology adoption, nutrition, food security, productivity, and other outcomes, while identifying and scaling effective solutions to enhance women’s roles in FLWS is essential.
THEME 3
Effective strategies and innovations for enhancing resilience and livelihoods in Food, Land and Water Systems
Structural barriers limit the resilience of resource-poor women, youth, and socially excluded groups and their ability to adapt to climate risks and other challenges. Enhancing access to resources, paired with targeted social protection measures, is essential for building resilience and fostering inclusion in FLWS. Developing tools that better capture local concepts of women’s empowerment—including relational, psychological, and resilience dimensions—is also critical to addressing these disparities effectively.
THEME 4
Strategies to strengthen the leadership, voice, and influence of women, youth, Indigenous People, and socially excluded groups in Food, Land, and Water Systems
Amplifying the leadership of women, youth and socially excluded groups is crucial for developing equitable solutions to challenges in FLWS. Research on enhancing their voice and influence in FLWS governance is essential to ensure policies address their needs, distribute benefits equitably, and transform power dynamics.
THEME 5
Making agri-food systems more inclusive and empowering for youth
Feeding future generations depends on engaging youth to build a vibrant food system, yet many young people are leaving agriculture for other opportunities, leaving behind an aging workforce. Political and environmental crises disproportionately affect youth, highlighting the need for better opportunities to enhance food security, reduce poverty, and build resilience. However, investments targeting youth remain limited and lack strategic, evidence-based approaches to tackle their diverse challenges and aspirations effectively.
LOCATION
LOCATION
LOCATION
CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
CENTURY CITY CONFERENCE CENTRE
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
AUDIENCE
AUDIENCE
AUDIENCE
Researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and CIVIL SOCIETY.
Researchers, policymakers, development practitioners, and CIVIL SOCIETY.
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
EARLY
BIRD REGISTRATION
STAY UPDATED
Feb 10, 2025
2 min read
Accelerating equality in agri-food systems conference: Call for contributions now open
The call for abstracts for the international conference “Accelerating equality in food, land and water systems: Driving solutions through evidence and learning” is now open, until April 11, 2025. The conference will be held from October 7-9, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
READ MORE
Feb 10, 2025
2 min read
Accelerating equality in agri-food systems conference: Call for contributions now open
The call for abstracts for the international conference “Accelerating equality in food, land and water systems: Driving solutions through evidence and learning” is now open, until April 11, 2025. The conference will be held from October 7-9, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
READ MORE
Feb 10, 2025
2 min read
Accelerating equality in agri-food systems conference: Call for contributions now open
The call for abstracts for the international conference “Accelerating equality in food, land and water systems: Driving solutions through evidence and learning” is now open, until April 11, 2025. The conference will be held from October 7-9, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.
READ MORE
Apr 15, 2024
7 mins read
Equitable gender relations are at the heart of food and nutrition security
Although they bear more responsibility for their families’ food and nutrition security, women are more likely to go hungry than men, globally. Underlying social inequalities undermine household food and nutrition security, but we know that women’s empowerment—not just an honorable goal itself—can boost food security and overall health. Working with men and masculinities is another step along the path to achieving nutrition SDGs, using gender-transformative approaches; coordinated, multistakeholder approaches at multiple levels; robust policies—all informed by excellent data.
READ MORE
Apr 15, 2024
7 mins read
Equitable gender relations are at the heart of food and nutrition security
Although they bear more responsibility for their families’ food and nutrition security, women are more likely to go hungry than men, globally. Underlying social inequalities undermine household food and nutrition security, but we know that women’s empowerment—not just an honorable goal itself—can boost food security and overall health. Working with men and masculinities is another step along the path to achieving nutrition SDGs, using gender-transformative approaches; coordinated, multistakeholder approaches at multiple levels; robust policies—all informed by excellent data.
READ MORE
Apr 15, 2024
7 mins read
Equitable gender relations are at the heart of food and nutrition security
Although they bear more responsibility for their families’ food and nutrition security, women are more likely to go hungry than men, globally. Underlying social inequalities undermine household food and nutrition security, but we know that women’s empowerment—not just an honorable goal itself—can boost food security and overall health. Working with men and masculinities is another step along the path to achieving nutrition SDGs, using gender-transformative approaches; coordinated, multistakeholder approaches at multiple levels; robust policies—all informed by excellent data.
READ MORE
Mar 8, 2024
5 min read
Inspiring inclusion: A women-led vision for more inclusive agri-food systems research in CGIAR’s next research cycle
A women-only stakeholder consultation in Bangladesh yielded four recommendations for CGIAR's next research cycle.
READ MORE
Mar 8, 2024
5 min read
Inspiring inclusion: A women-led vision for more inclusive agri-food systems research in CGIAR’s next research cycle
A women-only stakeholder consultation in Bangladesh yielded four recommendations for CGIAR's next research cycle.
READ MORE
Mar 8, 2024
5 min read
Inspiring inclusion: A women-led vision for more inclusive agri-food systems research in CGIAR’s next research cycle
A women-only stakeholder consultation in Bangladesh yielded four recommendations for CGIAR's next research cycle.
READ MORE
Oct 9, 2023
10 min read
Research is vital to create a just and resilient agri-food system: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu
CGIAR and ICAR play pivotal roles in guiding research, policies and investments towards better and resilient agri-food systems.
READ MORE
Oct 9, 2023
10 min read
Research is vital to create a just and resilient agri-food system: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu
CGIAR and ICAR play pivotal roles in guiding research, policies and investments towards better and resilient agri-food systems.
READ MORE
Oct 9, 2023
10 min read
Research is vital to create a just and resilient agri-food system: President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu
CGIAR and ICAR play pivotal roles in guiding research, policies and investments towards better and resilient agri-food systems.
READ MORE