In Progress

This paper was presented during the UN COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN 56, HIGH LEVEL PANEL on March 1, 2012 “I cannot feed my family with mats” a rural woman leader told me as we discussed the connection between rural women’s economic and food security. She attends our monthly 1325 network meetings and represents women from her village close to 100 km from the main town centre. She like many other women craves for financial security – savings accounts more than just micro credit. Rural young women have shared how they have travelled to and from school on an empty stomach. Market vendors regularly share the cost of food production and food sales as they strive to earn cash for their families. “Freedom from want and freedom from fear” is central to women’s peace and human security and integral to ensuring holistic responses to the CSW theme.