Integrating a gender perspective into supply chain due diligence

Date of publication

8 March 2021

The Integrating a Gender Perspective into Supply Chain Due Diligence note is based on the OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains and the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct and presents what gender sensitive due diligence looks like in practice. It provides illustrative examples of how companies along agricultural supply chains can integrate a gender perspective into their due diligence actions.

The OECD-FAO Guidance provides a practical framework and set of recommendations to companies to carry out gender sensitive due diligence and prevent and mitigate risks that may differ for or may be specific to women proactively. Due diligence, when implemented effectively, can help companies know and show that they are taking steps to address gender-related risks throughout the supply chain. It can also support companies in demonstrating its contributions to reaching Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

OECD-FAO Guidance recommendations for gender sensitive due diligence

In the agricultural sector, women make up nearly 40% of the workforce globally. In certain stages of the supply chain or specific commodity chains, women represent the overwhelming majority of the labour force. However, across regions women from various social categories still face major gender-specific constraints anchored in deeply rooted social and cultural norms determining what is acceptable in terms of women’s behaviors and roles. This limits their potential as economic actors and their ability to realize the full benefits of their contribution.

Companies operating in the agricultural sector thus have an immense opportunity to promote gender equality, raise the prospects of women in the sector, and contribute to reach the Sustainable Development Goals, notably Goal 5 on achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls.

Find out more

OECD-FAO Guidance for Responsible Agricultural Supply Chains

OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Business Conduct