Understanding and Integrating Gender Issues into Livestock Projects and Programmes: A Checklist for Practitioners

In rural societies, where local culture and traditions are still very vibrant, responsibilities and tasks are often assigned to women and men on the basis of traditional gender roles, defined as those behaviors and responsibilities that a society considers appropriate for men, women, boys and girls. These roles change over time, have different characteristics in every local context and are shaped by ideological, religious, cultural, ethnic and economic factors. They are a key determinant of the distribution of resources and responsibilities between men and women.

Recognizing the different roles that women and men play in the agriculture sector is key to identifying the diverse challenges they face and tailoring projects and programs on their specific needs. Understanding and integrating these diverse roles and specific dynamics into projects and programs can significantly improve their outcomes and effectiveness.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations