This implies moving beyond the rhetoric of international debates to actually integrating the human, social, economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability into a coherent global vision for sustainable agriculture and rural development. The advancement of women is central to achieving sustainable development. However, they are rarely in a position to influence decisions that determine the allocation of resources and, hence, the sustainable use of land, water and woodlands. Women have learned ecologically sustainable methods of agriculture and have acquired extensive knowledge about genetic diversity. If they are denied partnership in development, this wisdom is lost.
Women are often the major suppliers of household subsistence.
When their access to productive resources declines, more people suffer from poverty and its related effects, including hunger, malnutrition and illness. Improving women's access to resources and services increases farm productivity, provides a more efficient use of resources, and ultimately yields higher profitability. Promoting development that is economically efficient, environmentally friendly and equitable requires a complete reorientation of development efforts to enhance women's capacities. Gender-based equity in access to, and control of, productive resources. A reduction in workloads and enhanced opportunities for remunerated employment and income.