UN, Islamic organization sign MoU to advance women's empowerment in agrifood systems, food security

The UN Women West Africa Regional Office and the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) Monday to strengthen cooperation for promoting gender equality and women's empowerment in agrifood systems and food security across Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member states in West and Central Africa.

Signed by UN Women West Africa Regional Office Director Maxime Houinato and IOFS Director General Berik Aryn as part of the Islamic Development Bank Group's annual meeting in the capital of Algeria, the MoU includes three key areas: strategic initiatives for women's empowerment, resource mobilization and advocacy.

The development of strategic joint initiatives to enhance women's participation in food security, resilience building and agrifood systems through national and regional programs will be organized in collaboration with OIC member states as part of the deal.

Joint efforts to develop and implement strategies that mobilize resources to support gender-responsive programs in food security and agricultural sectors will be made and the implementation of joint advocacy campaigns to promote gender equality and women's leadership in agriculture and food systems across the region will be carried out.

As part of the 2025 workplan, UN Women and IOFS will co-develop and mobilize resources for a multi-country flagship program focused on women's empowerment and food security.