Genetic innovation gender strategy

Ashby, J.A.; Polar, V.; Bonaiuti, E.; Bikketti, E.; Belcher, B. 2024. Genetic Innovation Gender Strategy. 48 p. DOI: 10.4160/cip.2024.04.005

The Gender Strategy developed by CGIAR aims to address gender inequality in the adoption and benefits of new crop varieties. Women are key producers, processors, and consumers of CGIAR's priority crops, yet their needs are often overlooked. The Strategy uses gender research to develop more attractive varieties that are adopted faster and have fair outcomes for both women and men. It outlines 6 priorities, including mapping gender differences, identifying gender-intentional varieties, and analyzing drivers of gender equality in seed access and use. The Strategy also emphasizes building partnerships and capacity to make CGIAR's breeding programs more gender-responsive, involving social scientists and engaging with gender-transformative organizations. The overarching goal is to ensure new varieties benefit increasing numbers of women and men, advancing gender equality.