Global events
5 biggest wins for global human rights (updated february 18 2025)
By Amelia Hernandez
Published: 18 Feb 2025
A Slice of Life: My Grandma's Kitchen and the Seeds of Change
Growing up, my grandma's kitchen wasn't just a room; it was a vibrant, bustling hub where the aroma of freshly baked bread mingled with the laughter of family. She taught me more than just recipes; she instilled a deep respect for food, for community, and for the power of shared meals. But it wasn't until years later, when I started traveling, that I truly grasped the global inequities in food access and the urgent need for change. Seeing children go hungry, families struggling to put food on the table – it broke my heart. And that's when I knew I had to do something. This blog is my attempt to share what I've learned about how we can create a world where everyone has access to nutritious food. So, grab a cup of tea (or your beverage of choice!), and let's dive in!
A woman baking bread in a rustic kitchen | Image: Supplied
Win #1: Sustainable Agriculture – Food Security's Cornerstone
Sustainable agriculture isn't just a buzzword; it's the bedrock of food security and climate resilience. Think of small farms transitioning to climate-smart practices—this helps make farming more resilient to drought and floods. It's not just about protecting the planet, it's about ensuring that farmers can continue to produce the food that sustains their communities. Organizations like the World Food Programme are already working with farmers to adopt practices like water-harvesting and drought-resistant crops. Imagine the difference that makes! What could your community do to support local, sustainable agriculture?
Farmers working in a field using sustainable farming techniques | Image: Supplied
Win #2: Empowering Women Farmers – A Ripple Effect of Change
One of the most impactful ways to improve food security is to empower women farmers. Worldwide, women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce but often lack access to resources, training, and land ownership. Empowering women farmers has a direct and positive effect on both food production and their household's economic well-being. I recently read a story about a women's cooperative in Kenya that increased its income by 50% after receiving training in modern farming techniques and financial management – talk about an inspiring change! What initiatives support women farmers in your region?
Group of women farmers working together in a field | Image: Supplied
Win #3: Reducing Food Waste – A Global Imperative
This one hits close to home for me. It's crazy to think that approximately one-third of all food produced globally is wasted. This isn't just a matter of throwing away leftovers; it's a massive loss of resources, energy, and land. Moreover, food waste contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. We need innovative solutions, from better food storage technologies to changes in consumer behavior to tackle this. There are even apps now that connect businesses with surplus food to charities or food banks, preventing edible food from ending up in the trash. Pretty cool, huh?
A person sorting through food to donate or compost | Image: Supplied
Win #4: Strengthening Food Supply Chains – Building Resilience
Global supply chains are complex and vulnerable. Disruptions caused by pandemics, conflicts, or climate change can have devastating consequences on food availability. Strengthening these supply chains—including enhancing storage and transportation infrastructure and promoting diversification—is crucial for greater resilience. For example, developing local food systems can help communities better withstand external shocks. Investing in infrastructure, like better roads and storage facilities, means less food spoiling during transport. Sounds obvious, but its really important!
Map showing global food supply chains | Image: Supplied
Win #5: Investing in Nutrition – Healthier Populations, Brighter Futures
Addressing malnutrition is essential for human development and global health. It’s not just about preventing hunger; it's about ensuring that people have access to diverse, nutritious diets. This means supporting initiatives that promote breastfeeding, educating communities about healthy diets, and addressing micronutrient deficiencies through dietary diversification or supplementation. There's a real connection between healthy eating and better education outcomes in children. How does nutrition impact your community?
A child eating a healthy meal | Image: Supplied
A Call to Action: What Can YOU Do?
So, what's the takeaway? This is where we shift from reading to acting. Small changes can make a big difference. Support local farmers markets, reduce your own food waste, advocate for policies that support sustainable agriculture and food security – every single action matters. Let's work together towards a future where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy a healthy, nourishing life. What step will you take today?
People volunteering at a community garden | Image: Supplied
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
%3Amax_bytes(150000)%3Astrip_icc()%2Finvesting-for-sustainability-impact-5210477_FINAL-d3a8364c1a68465f8b66357b7cff2729.png&w=3840&q=75)