In just a few days, it will be International Day of Rural Women! This United Nations-sponsored event is celebrated annually on October 15th in order to recognize the vital role that rural women play in the development of their communities and societies. While the day is still some time away, it’s never too early to start thinking about how you can celebrate and support rural women in your area. In this blog post, we’ll explore some ways you can get involved, whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or simply raising awareness.
What is the International Day of Rural Women?
Rural women play a vital role in the agricultural and food systems of many countries around the world. In recognition of their contribution, the United Nations General Assembly has designated October 15 as the International Day of Rural Women.
This year’s theme is “rural women and girls building resilience for COVID-19 and beyond”. The pandemic has had a profound impact on rural communities, with women and girls bearing the brunt of the crisis. From loss of livelihoods to increased caregiving burdens, rural women and girls have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.
While the pandemic has created challenges for rural women and girls, it has also presented opportunities for them to build resilience and emerge as leaders in their communities. On this International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate the strength and determination of rural women and girls around the world, and reaffirm our commitment to stand with them in their efforts to build a more resilient future for all.
INTERNATIONAL DAY OF RURAL WOMEN DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | October 15 | Saturday |
| 2023 | October 15 | Sunday |
| 2024 | October 15 | Tuesday |
| 2025 | October 15 | Wednesday |
| 2026 | October 15 | Thursday |
The History of the International Day of Rural Women
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Rural Women is celebrated on 15 October each year. It recognises the key role rural women play in agriculture and rural communities, and the significant challenges they face.
The day also provides an opportunity to highlight the contributions of rural women to the economy and society, and to call for greater investment in rural areas.
Rural women make up a significant proportion of the world’s population – over 3.5 billion, or nearly one-third of the world’s population. They play a vital role in food production, as well as providing care and support for families and communities.
However, rural women face numerous challenges. They often have less access to education, healthcare, financial services and economic opportunities than their urban counterparts. They are also more likely to experience violence and discrimination.
In recognition of these challenges, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution in 2007 declaring 15 October as the International Day of Rural Women. The day provides an opportunity to bring attention to the issues faced by rural women, and to celebrate their achievements and contributions.
Why is the International Day of Rural Women Important?
Each year, the international community comes together to celebrate the International Day of Rural Women. This day provides an opportunity to recognize the contributions of rural women and girls around the world, and to highlight the challenges they face.
The theme for this year’s International Day of Rural Women is “Sustainable Infrastructure for Gender Equality and Empowerment”. This theme focuses on the importance of investing in sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of rural women and girls. Such infrastructure includes access to clean water and sanitation, safe roads and transport, reliable electricity, and telecommunications.
When rural women have access to these basic services, they are able to lead healthier and more productive lives. They are also better able to participate in their communities and in the economy. Sustainable infrastructure investment is therefore a key part of achieving gender equality and empowering rural women and girls.
On this International Day of Rural Women, let us commit to working together to ensure that all rural women and girls have access to the infrastructure they need to thrive.
What Can I Do to Support the International Day of Rural Women?
There are many ways you can support the International Day of Rural Women. Here are some ideas:
Share information about the day with your friends and family. Use social media to help spread the word.
Make a donation to a local or international organization that supports rural women.
Volunteer your time to help rural women in your community. This could involve helping with childcare, cooking, cleaning, or anything else that would make their lives easier.
Educate yourself on the issues faced by rural women around the world. This will help you to better understand their situation and how you can help them.
Conclusion
The International Day of Rural Women is a time to celebrate the important role that rural women play in society. It is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the challenges faced by rural women and to call for action to address these issues. We hope that this day will help empower rural women and give them the recognition they deserve.
