I will lead a new narrative on gender equality and women’s empowerment that positions women and girls as central social, economic and political leaders and agents of change. WFP’s advocacy and action will emphasize gender equality and women’s empowerment as the critical driver of food security, good nutrition and our goal of a world with zero hunger. I will ensure that I see, first-hand, WFP’s gender equality work every time I visit WFP offices around the world and that I use this experience to showcase collective efforts to accelerate progress towards gender equality and women’s empowerment as we strive to achieve food security and good nutrition for all.

I will lead an effort to eliminate any barriers affecting the proportional representation of women employees on the front line of WFP’s work in countries around the world, recognizing the need for more women to be present in interactions with the people we support. This aligns with WFP’s commitments for a diverse and inclusive workforce, the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, gender-based violence, and increased community feedback, and holds WFP accountable for engaging with partners, stakeholders, and communities in a way that allows us to understand and support women’s different needs and perspectives. I will set a target for the organization to increase the number of women on the front line over the course of my tenure so that the people with whom we work see a like face in their time of need.