ICRISAT Celebrates International Women's Day 2024

Investing in Women to Accelerate Progress

The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) proudly joins the global community in commemorating International Women's Day today, 8 March 2024, under the theme "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress."

Social inclusion and the empowerment of women stand at the forefront of ICRISAT's mission in the dryland regions of Asia and Africa. Recognizing the pivotal roles women play in rural community upliftment, ICRISAT champions gender-responsive research and interventions, ensuring equitable access to resources, knowledge, and decision-making processes for women.

Dr Jacqueline d’Arros Hughes, Director General of ICRISAT, warmly welcomed this year's international theme, emphasizing the importance of investing in women for a sustainable future.

"An investment in women is an investment in our collective future," Dr Hughes remarked. "At ICRISAT, our theme for 2024, 'Women Shaping the Landscape of Science, Agriculture, and Business,' underscores the indispensable contributions of women to sustainable development."

IWD2024 Celebration at the ICRISAT Headquarters in Patancheru, India.

Dr Victor Afari-Sefa, Research Program Director for Enabling Systems Transformation & Acting Deputy Director General of Research at ICRISAT, highlighted the significance of ICRISAT's inclusive approach to development.

"The empowerment of women is not only a moral imperative but also a strategic investment in sustainable development. By prioritizing gender-responsive approaches, we can unlock the full potential of agricultural systems, driving positive transformation across communities," Dr Afari-Sefa shared.

ICRISAT's efforts towards social inclusion extend to marginalized and vulnerable groups, including smallholder farmers, indigenous communities, and youth. By fostering meaningful participation in agricultural value chains and providing tailored, sustainable support, ICRISAT actively works to reduce social inequalities and promote holistic, inclusive agricultural development.

"Integrating gender perspectives into our research and interventions, ensures that the unique needs and contributions of women, and marginalized groups, are recognized and valued, driving positive outcomes for all," added Dr Padmaja Ravula, Principal Scientist and Gender and Nutrition Research Specialist at ICRISAT.

ICRISAT remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and fostering inclusive and sustainable agricultural systems in the drylands of Asia and Africa.

This work aligns with SDGs 5, 10 and 11.

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