62nd Session — UN Commission on the Status of Women

Topic: The Intersection Between Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls: A Case Study of the Agricultural Sector in Nigeria.

Speakers: Mrs Bridget Osakwe (WANEP Nigeria)  ·  Mrs Hauwa Mohammed-Ikediugwu (WREP Nigeria)
Moderator: Ms. Mimidoo Achakpa, Executive Director, WREP Nigeria

Overview

Men are often perceived as the "real" farmers and receive a greater proportion of technical assistance, illustrating persistent gender gaps in Nigeria's agricultural sector. Women and girls are frequently sidelined as agricultural value chains become more formalised. Closing this gap requires empowering women to promote equal access to resources, ensure agricultural policies are gender-aware, and amplify women's voices as equal partners in sustainable development.

Key Issues Discussed

• Women dominate small-scale farming but lack capacity and policy space — increasing their representation is critical for gender equality.
• Women and girls form the majority of displaced populations in natural and man-made disasters.
• Access to education is key — girls withdrawn from school for farm labour lose knowledge and skills that would enable economic independence.
• Mentorship programmes from older women to younger generations reduce dependency and economic vulnerability.
• Access to land remains a critical barrier — women are frequently disinherited or denied land rights despite legal protections.
• Advocacy for "one woman, one hectare" land access policies was highlighted as a model from South Africa.

Outcome

The session reinforced WREP's commitment to linking gender equality with agricultural policy and rural women's empowerment, creating evidence-based advocacy that influences national and international policy frameworks.