The world pays tribute to rural women

TODAY the world stands together in celebrating its rural women and the roles they play in society. The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Rural Women, on 15 October every year, celebrates and honours the role of rural women and recognises their importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.

This year’s theme focuses on food security.

Throughout this week, Highway Mail will be posting articles about local rural women’s initiatives and programmes, as well as general articles regarding statistics and studies relating to rural women and food security.

Many people, government departments, community groups and non-government organisations celebrate the International Day of Rural Women.

Across the world panel discussions, research papers, and conferences are held to review and analyse rural women’s role in society, particularly in areas such as economic improvement and agricultural development.

According to www.timeanddate.com, other activities and events held to promote the day include global exchange programmes for women in agriculture, the launch of fundraising projects to support rural women, expos and workshops showcasing rural women’s contribution to their societies and strategic meetings to present issues on topics such as empowering women farmers, to policy makers.

Where it all started

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008.

The idea of honouring rural women with a special day was put forward at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995.

It was then suggested that 15 October be celebrated as World Rural Women’s Day, which is the eve of World Food Day, to highlight rural women’s role in food production and food security.

Although the International Day of Rural Women was first celebrated as an official UN observance on 15 October 2008, many people around the world had celebrated this day in previous years.