South Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly is calling on governments to change food and climate policies to better support women smallholder farmers. The group says women farmers play a central role in strengthening resilient food systems, particularly as hunger worsens and climate-related impacts intensify. In its appeal, the assembly argues that public policy should prioritise women smallholders, reflecting their contribution to agricultural production and their exposure to environmental risks. The call focuses on ensuring that women farmers are included in decision-making and receive support aimed at improving resilience to climate challenges, while also addressing food insecurity. The assembly frames the policy request as urgent, citing escalating pressures that affect rural livelihoods and food availability. Overall, the request centres on shifting policy attention and resources toward women smallholder farmers as a means to respond to both hunger and climate challenges, rather than treating them as separate issues.