Addressing Gender Inequality in Dutch Agrifood Systems: A $1 Trillion Opportunity
Amsterdam, Sunday, 7 December 2025.
Despite women comprising over 40% of the Dutch agrifood workforce, they face longer hours, lower pay, and fewer protections. Closing gender gaps could boost global GDP by $1 trillion.
Current Challenges in the Dutch Agrifood Sector
In the Netherlands, women constitute more than 40% of the agrifood workforce, yet they experience significant disparities in working conditions and compensation. Reports suggest that rural women earn approximately 20% less than their male counterparts, a reflection of broader issues in gender equity within the sector [1][2]. These challenges are compounded by the impacts of climate change, which disproportionately affect female farmers by reducing crop yields due to their limited access to resources such as land, credit, and technology [1][3].
The Economic Impact of Gender Inequality
Addressing gender inequalities in agrifood systems is not only a moral imperative but also an economic opportunity. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates that closing gender gaps could enhance global GDP by approximately 1 trillion USD and significantly reduce food insecurity for millions of people [1][4]. Such economic gains highlight the importance of implementing policies that ensure equal access to resources and opportunities for women, which would lead to more resilient and productive agrifood systems [4].
Strategic Interventions for 2026
With the International Year of the Woman Farmer set for 2026, there is a unique opportunity to bring attention to these disparities and initiate meaningful change [3]. The FAO has outlined several strategic interventions, including the implementation of the CFS Voluntary Guidelines on Gender Equality in food systems and aligning financial investments with women’s rights to land and technology [4]. These measures aim to transform rhetoric into actionable commitments, thereby promoting gender equity in agrifood sectors globally [1][4].
Conclusion: A Call to Action
As the global community prepares for the International Year of the Woman Farmer, it is imperative to recognize the critical role women play in sustaining agrifood systems. By addressing the structural barriers they face, we can not only improve individual livelihoods but also contribute to global economic growth and food security. The path forward requires a collaborative effort to implement policy reforms, increase resource accessibility, and empower women as leaders in agrifood systems [1][3][4].