International Day of Rural Women

ACWW joins the global community today, 15th October 2024, in marking the International Day of Rural Women.  This year’s theme is “Rural women sustaining nature for our collective future: building climate resilience, conserving  biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment of women and girls.”

Since its foundation, ACWW has prioritised access to shared knowledge and training for rural women. We  recognise and celebrate the crucial role that they play in achieving food security and a sustainable future for their  families and communities.

Empowering women can lead to better food choices and health outcomes for families and their immediate  communities. Advances in agricultural technology, such as agroecological farming methods and sustainable pest  management can enhance food production. Providing women with access to education and training in basic agricultural sciences can improve productivity which can lead to improved income and wellbeing. By leveraging rural women’s access to knowledge and innovative trends in agriculture and sustainable food systems that promote food security we can benefit future generations.

Women are often the first adopters of and promote agroecological practices that enhance biodiversity, improve  soil health, and reduce reliance on chemical inputs; and across the world women-led initiatives focusing on  sustainable farming practices contribute to resilient food systems that can withstand the impacts of climate  change. Including rural women in policy discussions related to agriculture and food security ensures diverse  perspectives when solutions are considered. 

ACWW recently participated in the Central Asian Forum for Women, Science and Innovation for Food Security  and Sustainable Future hosted by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Participants focused on  strengthening food security, enhancing agricultural productivity, and preserving biodiversity - all of which require  the active participation of women. The region’s shared water resources and environmental challenges underscore  the need for regional cooperation and the integration of gender-sensitive strategies in agricultural policies. 

However, as in all parts of the world, rural women have less access to the benefits that science and innovative  technologies can offer, compared to people residing in urban areas. This further contributes to the limited  economic opportunities, with rural women having lower access to decent jobs and decent income. In the context  of climate change resilience, access to resources – including decision-making and economic opportunities such as  decent work – becomes even more critical for rural women. 

ACWW invests in rural women as critical agents of change in the fight to end poverty and reach food security  for all, and thus for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Harnessing rural women’s potential is key to creating resilient and sustainable food systems that foster innovation and support the development of agricultural  communities. This ensures a healthier future for both people and planet. 

Recognising and honouring the International Day of Rural Women, ACWW continues to inform, inspire and  empower. We seek to strengthen networking and collaboration among rural women and other stakeholders, and as  rural women in action, amplify the voices of those most at risk of being left behind. 

Magdie de Kock

ACWW World President