Oil palm plantations and smallholdings are expanding massively and ongoing research by the Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), points to the critical roles that women play as workers, smallholders and investors in the oil palm sector. However, gender issues are generally not considered in policies, certification bodies and regulations in the sector. We speak to Dr. Bimbika Sijapati-Basnett, a Scientist and Gender Coordinator at CIFOR, to discuss what needs to be done to improve gender equality throughout the oil palm value chain and certification process.