Nepal Advances Dialogue on Rural Women’s Economic Empowerment and Resilient Agri-food Systems

More than 150 representatives from federal, provincial, and local governments, UN agencies, private sector actors, civil society organizations, and rural women farmers gathered in Janakpurdham, Madhesh Province on 8 October 2026 for the Provincial Policy Dialogue organized under the leadership of Ministry of Land Management Agriculture and Cooperatives (MoLMAC), Madhesh Province. 

The dialogue was convened under the theme “Transforming Agri-food Systems through Women's Leadership, Climate Resilience and Gender-Responsive Governance in Madhesh Province” and the sub-theme “Scaling Good Practices for Rural Women's Economic Empowerment: From Evidence to Policy and Action.”  

The event provided a strategic platform to reflect on evidence and lessons emerging from JP RWEE, while exploring how successful approaches can be sustained, institutionalized, and scaled through existing policies, programmes, budgets, and service delivery systems.  

A powerful theatre performance portraying “Women at the Frontline of Resilient Communities” opened the dialogue, highlighting the growing leadership role of women in agriculture while drawing attention to the increasing climate and disaster risks affecting rural livelihoods. The performance resonated strongly with participants and set the stage for broader discussions on resilience, leadership, and inclusion.  

A technical presentation then showcased key JP RWEE good practices, lessons learned, and institutional pathways for scaling rural women’s economic empowerment. The discussion emphasized that lasting change is most effective when women are supported through an integrated approach that combines livelihoods, leadership, financial inclusion, access to services, market linkages, and participation in decision-making. 

The presentation also underscored key lessons around the growing role of women in agriculture, the importance of addressing unpaid care responsibilities, the need for gender-responsive budgeting, and the critical role of women's leadership in shaping development outcomes. Looking ahead, participants reflected on how these proven approaches can move beyond project interventions and be sustained through existing policies, plans, budgets, institutions, and service delivery systems. Particular attention was given to strategic entry points within agriculture policies, GESI policies, local planning and budgeting systems, climate-responsive agriculture initiatives, and local governance mechanisms that can support the institutionalization and scale-up of successful approaches for rural women's economic empowerment.