Regional Workshop on Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Food, Land, and Water Systems in MENA

19-20 November 2025 | Cairo, Egypt - The Middle East and North Africa regions are navigating a complex set of challenges that include water scarcity, climate pressures, food insecurity, and ongoing conflict. These issues deepen existing gender and social inequalities, especially in rural communities where women are the backbone of the agricultural sector. Despite their contributions, women continue to face barriers that limit their access to land, resources, technologies, training, and decision-making.

To address these gaps, the CGIAR Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator convened a regional workshop in Cairo from 19 to 20 November 2025 titled “Advancing Gender Equality and Social Inclusion in Food, Land, and Water Systems in MENA: Generating Evidence to Inform Policy and Development Practice.”

The workshop welcomed researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across the region to co-design a unified Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) Research for Development Learning Agenda. The agenda aims to guide future investments, identify evidence gaps, and support policies that advance inclusive and resilient agrifood systems in the MENA region In his welcome remarks, Dr. Mohie Omar, ICARDA Egypt Country Coordinator, emphasized the direct link between gender equality and agricultural resilience.

“Gender equality and social inclusion are essential for the MENA region and its agriculture sector. When we address these gaps, we strengthen productivity, improve water management, and create more resilient agrifood systems. This is why ICARDA is keen to host this workshop. It allows us to share scientific knowledge, learn from partners, and work together for meaningful impact across the region.”

Dr. Ranjita Puskur, Principal Scientist - Gender Research, IRRI, introduced the workshop objectives and the process for co-developing the regional GESI Learning Agenda.

“Co-creating a unified GESI Learning Agenda is a crucial step for building inclusive and resilient food, land, and water systems in the MENA region. When evidence, policy, and practice come together, we can design solutions that work for everyone. This workshop brings partners around one table to shape a shared vision and drive meaningful, lasting change.”

The discussions continued with an overview of the gender landscape within the agriculture sector across the region, presented by Dr. Dina Najjar, ICARDA Senior Gender Scientist. She highlighted the urgent need for policies and programs that recognize and respond to women’s realities on the ground.

“The MENA region is facing intense climate stress, from dwindling water resources to declining crop yields. Women are carrying more agricultural work than ever, yet still lack equal access to resources and decision-making. Recognizing women as full farmers and supporting them with the right policies is essential for resilience, productivity, and food security in our region.”

Dr. Dina outlined key trends, emerging themes, and evidence gaps related to gender and social inclusion in food, land, and water systems, setting the stage for collaborative group work throughout the workshop.

Over the two days, participants worked together to identify priority research questions, assess knowledge and policy gaps, and map opportunities for collective action. The resulting Learning Agenda will guide regional efforts to ensure that future interventions are grounded in evidence and address the needs of women, youth, and marginalized groups.

Throughout the workshop, ICARDA within CGIAR and the Gender Equality and Inclusion Accelerator worked closely with regional partners to maximize collective efforts toward more inclusive development. The learning agenda will be published soon. ICARDA will continue to help build resilient food systems and support the communities who rely on them for their livelihoods across the dry regions and beyond