WUNRN
International Day of Rural Women
15 October
"Empowering rural women is crucial for
ending hunger and poverty. By denying women rights and opportunities, we deny
their children and societies a better future. This is why the United Nations
recently launched a programme to empower rural women and enhance food
security."
Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon
Message for the
International Day of Rural Women
Elderly village woman carries bag of
bananas. Credit: UN Photo/Martine Perret
The first International Day of Rural Women
was observed on 15 October 2008. This new international day, established by the
General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007,
recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including
indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving
food security and eradicating rural poverty.”
Rural women play a critical role in the
rural economies of both developed and developing countries. In most parts of
the developing world they participate in crop production and livestock care,
provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm
activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry
out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.