As the world marks International Women’s Day under the theme “Accelerate Action,” HarvestPlus and HarvestPlus Solutions reaffirm their commitment to promoting equality and women’s empowerment. This is crucial in tackling malnutrition, poverty, and building resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that benefit everyone.

Women are disproportionately affected by malnutrition, with higher rates of food insecurity and malnutrition than men. Despite their central role in food production, preparation, and family nutrition, millions of women still suffer from hidden hunger – deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals that impact their health, productivity, and well-being.

At HarvestPlus, we believe that ensuring women’s access to nutritious, biofortified foods is crucial to breaking the cycle of malnutrition and poverty, and securing a healthier future for all. Through partnerships with research institutions, governments, businesses, farmers, and local communities, we are accelerating the development and scaling of biofortified staple crops rich in essential micronutrients – such as iron beans in Uganda, vitamin A maize in Nigeria, and zinc wheat in Pakistan.

These climate-smart, nutrient-dense crops are improving women’s dietary diversity and strengthening their economic empowerment by opening new market opportunities. HarvestPlus Solutions is accelerating action by scaling the commercialization of biofortified foods and other nutrition innovations, ensuring they reach more women and children through sustainable market-driven approaches.

By working with food processors, distributors, and policymakers, we are embedding nutrition into food systems, making biofortified foods more accessible and affordable. On this Women’s Day, we celebrate the resilience of women farmers, entrepreneurs, and consumers who are leading the charge in creating healthier communities.

Investing in women’s nutrition is not just about addressing malnutrition – it’s about fueling progress, economic growth, and the well-being of future generations. Together, let’s accelerate action for a world where every woman has access to nutritious food and the opportunity to thrive.