Make gender equality a priority in the Dutch Diamond approach

Today, the Dutch House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation will discuss the so-called Dutch Diamond approach. This approach, in which government, the private sector, knowledge institutions, banks, and civil society organizations collaborate, is actively used by the Netherlands to promote economic development, food security, and international trade. However, without structural attention to the position of women, these efforts risk missing their mark. That is why WO=MEN and its members advocate for gender equality as a central pillar in the Dutch Diamond approach. 

Women play a key role worldwide in global agricultural and food systems. They are active at every stage of the chain, from production to processing and trade. As much as 60–80% of food in the Global South is produced by women. Despite this, they consistently have less access to land, financing, technology, and markets. This affects their productivity, income, and overall position. Research by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) shows that closing the gender gap in agriculture could reduce hunger for 45 million people and increase the global economy by 1 trillion dollars. 

WO=MEN is concerned about the impact of budget cuts on civil society organizations, including women’s rights organizations and trade unions. These organizations are uniquely positioned to understand local realities and have local networks and relevant practical knowledge on issues such as food security, climate adaptation, water management, and living wages. Their role is crucial to the effectiveness of the Dutch Diamond approach. 

Read here the full position paper, including recommendations for the Dutch Parliament.