International Day of Rural Women – October 15th
October 15 marks the second annual International Day of Rural Women. The International Day of Rural Women directs attention to both the contribution that women make in rural areas, and the many challenges that they face. 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 the family income. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.
Brief introduction
The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2008. This new international day, established by the UN General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of December 18, 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.”
The idea of honoring rural women with a special day was put forward by international NGOs at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995. It was suggested that October 15th be celebrated as “World Rural Women’s Day,” the eve of World Food Day, in order to highlight the role played by rural women in food production and food security. “World Rural Women’s Day” has been celebrated, primarily by civil society, across the world for over a decade.
The purpose of the day is to provide rural women and their organizations with a focal point to:
Raise the profile of rural women,
Sensitize both government and public to their crucial, yet largely unrecognized roles,
Fight inequalities and prejudices against rural women.
FACTS ON RURAL WOMEN
Rural women, mainly farmers, are at least 1.6 billion and represent more than a quarter of the total world population.
Women produce on average more than half of all the food that is grown: up to 8O per cent in Africa, 6O per cent in Asia, between 3O and 4O per cent in Latin America and Western countries.
Women own only 2 per cent of the land, and receive only one per cent of all agricultural credit.
Only 5 per cent of all agricultural extension resources are directed to women.
Women represent two third of all illiterate people.
The number of rural women living in poverty has doubled since 197O.
Please see http://www.un.org/womenwatch/feature/idrw/ for more information.