Study seminar in memory of Professor Giorgia Salatiello

WOMEN AND FOOD SECURITY

A bond to be strengthened

Monday 22 May, 9.00 to 13.00

Aula Magna, Pontifical Gregorian University

The Faculty of Social Sciences of the Pontifical Gregorian University, along with the Holy See Permanent Mission to the FAO, IFAD and the WFP and to the Roman Forum of Catholic-Inspired Non-Governmental Organizations, has arranged a study day in memory of Giorgia Salatiello, professor emeritus of the Faculty of Philosophy, who died prematurely on 3 November 2022, to reflect on the unique role of women in development and their ability to be agents of change and transform the current food system from the perspective of integral ecology. There is an inextricable link between women and food security because only by strengthening their food security will we be able to feed the minds and bodies of entire communities.

According to recent United Nations figures, women engaged in agriculture account for more than a quarter of the world's population while, in developing countries, they make up about 43% of the workforce. Despite being as productive and resourceful as their male counterparts, they face numerous difficulties in accessing land, credit, markets, education and health care, and what is more, their work often remains invisible and unpaid. Moreover, globally, rural women are those who pay the highest price for climate change and environmental destruction as extreme events destroy their livelihoods, thus limiting their access to resources and ability to recover.

Beyond their engagement in agriculture, much of what women do is attributable to the care they provide within each family and community. And it is precisely the culture of care that constitutes a privileged way to build peace and eradicate the culture of indifference and rejection, which is widespread today.

After the introductory words from Fr. Mark A. Lewis, S.J., rector of the Pontifical Gregorian University, there will be interventions from Professor Nuria Calduch (director of the Department of Biblical Theology of the Faculty of Theology, Pontifical Gregorian University) on women and agricultural work in the Bible; Fr. Bruno Ciceri (former director of Stella Maris Internationalis) on women in the fishing sector; Professor Stefano Zamagni (professor of political economy, University of Bologna) on women, family economics and the eradication of poverty; Dr. Marcela Villareal (director of the United Nations Division of Partnerships and Collaboration at the FAO) on the key role of women in the fight against hunger; Dr. Priscila Pereira De Andrade (legal officer, UNIDROIT) on women and access to credit; Dr. Satu Santala (associate vice president for external relations and governance, IFAD) on the impact of climate change on the food safety of women in the world; Dr. Flaminia Giovanelli (former under-secretary of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development) on the role of women in armed conflicts and peace processes; and Dr. Gabriella Gambino (under-secretary of the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life) on women between family and work.

Some practical experiences will then be shared by the New Humanity NGO (Burundi: women as protagonists in community development in the rural area); the Pope John XXIII Community Association (the experience of agricultural microcredit for Zambian women) and the International Catholic Rural Association – ICRA (the formation of rural women for a new sustainable development. After the debate, the conclusions will be entrusted to Msgr. Fernando Chica Arellano, Holy See Permanent Observer at the FAO, IFAD and WFP. Moderation will be conducted by Fr. Stefano Del Bove (Faculty of Social Sciences, Pontifical Gregorian University).

Accreditation Procedure

Journalists and media workers who wish to attend must apply, within 48 hours of the event, via the Holy See Press Office online accreditation system at press.vatican.va/accreditamenti.

For interviews and technical information on the event, contact press@unigre.it.