07. March 2025
News
Every year on March 8, International Women’s Day raises awareness of gender inequalities, discrimination, and violence against women, while also recognizing the achievements of women in society, politics, science, and the economy. The key issues highlighted on this day are also reflected in Germany’s Fourth Gender Equality Report, which was published on March 3. The report focuses on equality in socio-ecological transformation. Dr. Felix Zoll and Anton Parisi from the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) contributed an expert study on alternative food networks (AFNs) in Germany, analyzing their role in gender equality and social justice.
Alternative Food Networks (AFNs) are community-driven food systems that connect producers directly with consumers, emphasizing regionality, sustainability, and fair production conditions. They are becoming increasingly important in Germany, as they strengthen local value chains, reduce environmental impacts from long transport routes, and promote more equitable working conditions in food production.
Strengthening Inclusion and Gender Equality in Alternative Food Networks
The study focuses on Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), Food Policy Councils, and food cooperatives. The analysis reveals that while many of these initiatives promote openness, equality, and democratic participation, traditional gender roles—especially in labor division and consumer engagement—are not always challenged. The participation of marginalized groups such as migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities remains underexplored. Further research is needed, particularly on power structures, decision-making processes, and strategies to ensure truly inclusive participation.
"Alternative Food Networks offer promising models for more sustainable food systems supply that incorporate values such as social and environmental responsibility. However, our research shows that equality and diversity need to be taken more into account as cross-cutting issues in society, politics and science. This is the only way to enable real participation for all people," says Dr. Felix Zoll from ZALF.
Zoll and Parisi emphasize the importance of engaging with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in science, society, and policymaking. They recommend further supporting existing and future initiatives within AFNs through networking, cross-group collaboration, and stronger governmental support. Additionally, they see potential in increasing the visibility of organizations already working to promote DEI within Germany’s alternative food networks.
Background: The Fourth Gender Equality Report of the German Government
The Gender Equality Report is published once per legislative period and examines key developments and challenges in gender equality policy. The current report, developed by an independent expert commission, focuses on gender equality in the socio-ecological transformation. It highlights that women are disproportionately affected by climate change and that technology-focused climate policies risk reinforcing existing gender inequalities. The report outlines key action areas where gender equality policies need to be strengthened and provides recommendations for a fairer and more inclusive socio-ecological transformation.
Funding:
The report was funded by the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth.
Further Information:
Text disclaimer:
This is a summary of the original text created with the help of artificial intelligence: Zoll, Felix/Parisi, Anton/Piorr, Annette (2025):
Wer is(s)t mit? Eine Literaturstudie zu Geschlechtergerechtigkeit, Diversität und Inklusion in alternativen Ernährungsnetzwerken. Expertise for the Fourth Gender Equality Report of the German Government, Berlin: Bundesstiftung Gleichstellung.
The text has been carefully reviewed and revised in the light of AI regulations at ZALF.
