| Women
and food sovereignty |
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What is food sovereignty?
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Women,
globalization and food
"Women's
work and women's lives all over the world have long been intertwined
with food. In every country on every continent, it is women who
assume primary responsibility for preparing and serving meals
for themselves and their families... It's clear that women have
a lot to do with food. But do they really?"
See Women
& the Economy's site for good introductory information on
women
and the food industry, and
women
workers in the global food chain.
Women's Statement on Hunger and Food Sovereignty
to the NGO Forum, June 11, 2002
"We women,
from various continents, representing countries of the South and
the North, demand the right to be free from hunger for every woman,
man and child. We ask for the right to govern our livelihoods,
and to have access and maintain control over our lands, waters,
seeds, and all resources which are basic to our and our communities
needs.
We constitute more than half of the world's 1 billion hungry.
We are the producers of the world's food, the reproducers and
nurturers of human life, yet we do not get enough nutritious and
safe food. In our households, partiarchal values dictate that
we are the last priority in the allocation of food. Our productive
and reproductive roles are not acknowledged at all levels..."
Read full statement at:
http://www.poptel.org.uk/panap/latest/wfs3.htm
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Women and food: women grow it
Women
produce 80 percent of the food consumed in Africa, 65 percent in Asia
and 45 percent in Latin America.
"Women
hold the key to ending hunger in the world's poorest communities, yet
in most developing countries they still sow, water, weed, harvest and
process their crops by hand, and their share of land resources and mechanized
farm implements remains negligible."
-- Thelma
Awori, International Herald Tribune, 27 November 1998.
What
is "organic" food?
Genetically
engineered food: do we need it?
Stop “for-profit foods”, starting with high
fructose corn syrup
From
the Small Planet Institute: Ten
Things You Can Do Right Now (and feel better!)
Links
For an extensive listing on food, food and agricultural policy see http://www.dietforasmallplanet.com/ideas/links.php
To
information and groups working on food quality, protection of family
farms:
THE
O'MAMA REPORT
"The O’Mama Report is an on-line resource for women who want to
make the best possible decisions about organic agriculture and organic
products. It is a community in which women share their experience, ideas
and inspiration. Content for the site comes from members of the Organic
Trade Association, the association for the organic industry in North
America. All comments are welcome. Please contact us at info@theorganicreport.org."
This site has a wealth of information on organic food, children's health,
and links to other sites. See:
http://www.theorganicreport.com/pages/24_connection.cfm
"There
are many reasons why you should buy sustainable food from independent
family farms. Not only is it better for you and your family, it helps
the environment, the animals, workers and rural communities around the
country."
Find lots of basic "Why" and "how to" information
at the Grace Factory Farm Project's new site:
http://www.sustainabletable.org/
 
Visit this site for information on healthy food and sustainable agricultural
practices. The campaign against irradiated school lunches in New York
City has good information on the dangers of irradiated food. See:
http://www.factoryfarm.org/topics/irradiation/nycsslc/
See also "What
is a factory farm? and "Is your meat fit to eat?" at:
http://www.factoryfarm.org/whatis/
Farm
Aid
"Like
most Americans, family farmers are concerned about the impact of chemicals
on our soil, water, food supply, and health. Family farmers drink the
water beneath their fields, eat the food they produce, and live on the
land they farm. Farm Aid supports the efforts of family farmers who
are leading the way in developing environmentally friendly farming methods
which will ensure a healthy food supply for future generations."
This site features information on family farms, and offers help to farmers
trying to stay on the land.
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