Food systems, climate, and human rights: Addressing patriarchal masculinities, structures and norms to advance care and justice

The following report is a joint submission to the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights by MenEngage Alliance, Women Engage for A Common Future (WECF) International, YouthNet Global, Bangladesh, Zambia Social Forum (ZAMSOF), Feminist Diplomacy Lab, and the following individuals: Diadira Esperanza Riaño Peña (COOPSUMERCE), Souad Abdulrahman, Alain Bisimwa Kauchu (FCPEEP), and Laura Sims (Université de St.-Boniface, Canada).

Drawing on insights from a global consultation with civil society and academic actors, the report examines how patriarchal structures, masculinity norms and men’s roles shape food systems.

It identifies where violence, control, exclusion, and gender-based discrimination occur across the food system, from production and distribution to fisheries, chemicals, biodiversity, labour, financing, consumption, waste, and access to remedy. 

Analysis underscores that patriarchal masculinities must be composted, to create space for transformative pathways based on care, gender equity and non-violence. This requires bringing men and boys, alongside women, girls and gender-diverse people together to address systemic change in food systems.

Included in the report: 

• Analysis of areas of progress and challenges to the transformation of food systems at the nexus of climate, nature, food, water, energy, and health
• Analysis of the role of food systems in relation to climate change mitigation,adaptation, and loss and damage
• Contextual examples and stories of change
• Recommendations for transforming food systems through transforming patriarchal masculinities