World International Day of Rural Women
Rural women are key for a world free from hunger and poverty.
Description
Achieving gender equality and empowering women is not only the right thing to do but is a critical ingredient in the fight against extreme poverty, hunger and malnutrition.
On average, women make up more than 40 per cent of the agricultural labour force in developing countries.
Yet they face significant discrimination when it comes to land and livestock ownership, equal pay, participation in decision-making entities, and access to resources, credit and market for their farms to flourish.
Improving the lives of rural women is key to fighting poverty and hunger. Giving women the same opportunities as men could rise agricultural production by 2.5-4% in the poorest regions and the number of malnourished people could be reduced by 12-17%.
Under the theme Rural women cultivating good food for all, this day recognise the work of these heroines in the food systems of the world, and aims to create rural areas with equal opportunities for all.
For more information, visit the United Nations' International Day of Rural Women website.