Launch of the IRC Enabler Working Group on Gender and Youth

The transformation of Africa’s food systems requires inclusive research and innovation ecosystems that harness the full potential of women and youth. Despite being central to agricultural production, knowledge generation, and entrepreneurship, women and young professionals remain underrepresented in leadership, policy dialogue, and scientific research. This underrepresentation limits the development of equitable and sustainable solutions across the continent.

Recognizing these challenges, the International Research Consortium (IRC) on Food, Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA) through the CEA-FIRST initiative under the Horizon Europe Coordination and Support Action is committed to building a more inclusive framework. This commitment is now being institutionalized through the establishment of the IRC Enabler Working Group on Gender and Youth (GYWG).

The Working Group represents a strategic milestone towards embedding gender and youth perspectives across all functional areas of the IRC Research, Education, Advisory Services, Policy, Industry, and Funding. It will serve as a crosscutting enabler that provides leadership, coordination, and policy guidance to make inclusivity an operational reality within the consortium.

The meeting aims to:

• Empower young people and women to lead agricultural innovation through inclusive research, entrepreneurship, and policy engagement.
• Consolidate feedback from IRC Member Institutions on the Gender and Youth Working Group concept.
• Share knowledge and best practices to strengthen collaboration and connect stakeholders on gender and youth themes.
• Officially establish the IRC Enabler Working Group on Gender and Youth within the AU–EU International Research Consortium framework.
• Officially establish the IRC Enabler Working Group on Gender and Youth within the AU–EU International Research Consortium framework.
• Officially establish the IRC Enabler Working Group on Gender and Youth within the AU–EU International Research Consortium framework.

By the end of this meeting we expect to come up with a shared roadmap for youth and gender integration in FNSSA engagement, aligned with the AU Agenda 2063, SDGs 2, 5, and 8, and the Kampala CAADP Declaration (2025–2035). Furthermore we shall plan for strengthened mechanisms for mentorship, gender-responsive research, and inclusive policy design across Africa and Europe.

Panelists:

Dr. Irene Annor-Frempong – Lead, AU–EU International Research Consortium on FNSSA

Dr. Mariame Maiga – Regional Gender and Social Development Adviser, CORAF

Dr. Karen Munoko

Dr. Mavis Akuffobea-Essifie

Kofi Kisiedu Acquaye – Africa Regional Coordinator, YPARD

Moderator:

Genna Tesdall – Global Director, YPARD

_{By institutionalizing gender and youth inclusion through this Working Group, the IRC and its partners reaffirm their shared vision of a food system that is equitable, innovative, and resilient driven by the creativity and leadership of Africa’s women and youth.}

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