FAO Webinar Highlights Gender Equity in One Health Approach

FAO held the webinar, Keys to Empowering Rural Women from a One Health Approach, focusing on integrating gender equity into health priorities for the transformation of agri-food systems. The event identified advances, challenges, and concrete proposals to strengthen women’s roles in sustainable community development.

Experts from the region agreed that incorporating a gender perspective is essential for preventing, detecting, and responding to threats affecting human, animal, and environmental health. They shared experiences demonstrating the capacity of rural women to lead innovative and sustainable solutions in their communities.

Participants emphasized the need to ensure effective participation of women in the design and implementation of programs linked to the One Health approach. Public policies were highlighted as a strategic tool to reduce gaps and promote equality within this systemic framework.

The workshop also underscored the importance of documenting and sharing regional best practices that show the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating gender and One Health approaches. Key challenges addressed included women’s economic autonomy and access to resources, which are crucial for strengthening their role in food security and environmental sustainability.

The One Health approach seeks to optimize public policy management across human, animal, plant, forestry, and aquaculture health. It includes food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR), enabling early detection, prevention, and effective responses to threats affecting people, animals, and ecosystems, while minimizing impacts on livelihoods and national food security.