Without women, there is no food

Meet our experts | IPES-Food’s Shalmali Guttal, Susan Chomba, & Nettie Wiebe

Women play a crucial but often invisible role in our food systems. They grow, process, cook, and distribute food – yet too often they are denied land rights, financial resources, and decision-making power.

In this video, three incredible women from IPES-Food’s expert panel – Nettie Wiebe, Susan Chomba, and Shalmali Guttal – share their perspectives on the deep-rooted inequalities women face in farming and food systems, and why gender justice is essential for a sustainable, fair, and nourishing future.

If we want food systems that truly work for people and the planet, we must recognize, respect, and support the women who sustain them.

“This is production of life work. It must be recognized, respected, and valorized,” says Shalmali Guttal.