Crises—whether driven by conflict, climate shocks, or economic instability—rarely affect everyone equally. Women and girls often bear the heaviest burdens, facing heightened food insecurity, disrupted livelihoods, and increased risks to their health and safety. Yet, women are not only victims of crisis—they are powerful drivers of resilience and recovery. “Empowerment in Crisis: Gender-Responsive Solutions for Fragile Food Systems” brings together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to examine how gender inequalities are deepened by crises, and how response strategies can be designed to reverse these patterns. The discussion will highlight practical approaches that place women at the center of crisis response and recovery—strengthening their voices, protecting their rights, and harnessing their leadership to build more resilient and equitable food systems.

Introduction and Opening Remarks

• Anna Okello, Director, Food Frontiers and Security Science Program, CGIAR

The State of Gender Equality in Fragile Settings

• Josephine Appiah-Nyamekye Sanny, Director of Communications, Afrobarometer (Presentation)

Promoting Women’s Empowerment Amid Fragility: Key Findings from Nigeria and Malawi

• Vivian Effem-Bassey, Project Manager, ActionAid Nigeria (Presentation)
• Jordan Kyle, Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)
• Agnes Quisumbing, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI (Presentation)

Panel Discussion

• Aletheia Amalia Donald, Senior Economist, World Bank Africa Gender Innovation Lab
• Suzan Gopuk, Senior Technical Advisor – Food Security and Livelihood, GIZ Nigeria
• Nkechi Ilochi-Kanny, Director Business Development and Innovation, ActionAid Nigeria

Moderator and Closing Remarks

• Katrina Kosec, Senior Research Fellow, IFPRI