Women suffer a disproportionate burden from the devastating effects of drought and desertification, according to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. In a video message, Guterres called for governments to eliminate legal barriers to women owning land and involve them in policy-making processes. Currently, less than one in five landholders worldwide are women, limiting their active participation in sustaining land health and exacerbating gender inequalities.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reports that unsustainable farming practices are eroding soil at a rate 100 times faster than natural processes can restore them. This degradation of land, which now affects up to 40% of the planet's surface, poses threats to food production, biodiversity, and the climate crisis. Guterres emphasized that women and girls are the hardest hit by these issues, facing food insecurity, water scarcity, and forced migration while having the least control over land resources.
Recognizing the potential of women and girls in addressing these challenges, the UNCCD highlights that when given equal access to resources, they can enhance agricultural productivity, restore land, and build resilience to drought. To support this cause, the UNCCD launched the #HerLand campaign, raising awareness about the important role women play in land conservation and the obstacles they face. Inna Modja, a Malian singer and UNCCD Goodwill Ambassador, performed the world premiere of the song "Her Land" during a high-level event. Modja emphasized the need to empower women and youth and promote gender equality in the fight against desertification and land degradation. Collaboration among all stakeholders is crucial to creating a brighter and sustainable future.
During the event, speakers including women leaders, renowned scientists, land activists, and youth representatives acknowledged the progress made in addressing gender inequalities in land ownership but stressed the need for further efforts to level the playing field. Tarja Halonen, former President of Finland and UNCCD Land Ambassador, emphasized that empowering women is not just the right thing to do but also leads to better societies when women can fully utilize their abilities, knowledge, talents, and leadership potential. Csaba Kőrösi, President of the UN General Assembly, highlighted the positive impact of women's land ownership on food security and reducing malnourishment, stating that when women farmers have access to land, they can contribute significantly to national food production. However, there is a need for policy decisions and measures that recognize women's role in land management and remove barriers to their participation in decision-making processes.
Ibrahim Thiaw, the Executive Secretary of UNCCD, underscored the importance of Desertification and Drought Day in mobilizing the international community to address gender inequalities in land ownership. He emphasized that the gender gap in women's access to fertile land remains a shocking issue worldwide and calls for urgent action to rectify this imbalance. In summary, urgent action is needed to address the gender disparities in land ownership and empower women in the fight against drought and desertification. Eliminating legal barriers, involving women in policy-making, and recognizing their crucial role in land management are essential steps to ensure a sustainable and equitable future for all.
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