Access to quality seed and gender equality are key components to sustainable food systems, employment, food security and nutrition. Women make up the largest agriculture labor workforce, yet few are involved within the seed value chains. This study adopted a recently introduced village-based advisor (VBA) model to examine the gender issues that influence women and men’s participation within the existing finger millet and cowpea seed systems in Senegal. Qualitative data collection methods such as key informant interviews and group interviews were used to collect information from project staff, traders, producers, and ‘Yombalkaat’ (community facilitators/ intermediary). The overall findings suggest that women continue to play a minor position in the seed system due to; existing policies and institutions; limited access to production assets; social beliefs and perceptions; presumed gender roles and participation in agricultural production.