Strategies to strengthen the leadership, voice and influence of women, youth, indigenous people and socially excluded groups in food, land and water systems

This series of briefs synthesizes the key evidence and messages from presentations in sessions at the CGIAR Gender Conference Accelerating Equality in Food, Land, and Water Systems1 held in Cape Town on 7–9 October 2025. The briefs highlight what we learnt and how this knowledge can inform action, including research and development practices and policy recommendations. The briefs are organized around the five themes of the conference.

Amplifying the leadership of women, youth, Indigenous people and socially excluded groups is crucial for equitable solutions to food, land and water systems challenges. Research on increasing their voice and influence in food, land and water systems governance is essential to ensure policies address their needs, equitably distribute benefits and transform power dynamics.