The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008.
It 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.”
Rural 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 their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.
The United Nations’ (UN) International Day of Rural Women celebrates and honors the role of rural women on October 15 each year. It recognizes rural women’s importance in enhancing agricultural and rural development worldwide.
What do people do?
Many people, government agencies, community groups and non-government associations celebrate the International Day of Rural Women on October 15 every year. Television, radio, online, and print media broadcast or publish special features to promote the day. Panel discussions, research papers, and conferences are also held to review and analyze rural women’s role in society, particularly in areas such as economic improvement and agricultural development.Other activities and events held to promote the day include:
- Global exchange programs for women in agriculture.
- The launch of fundraising projects to support rural women.
- Expos and workshops showcasing rural women’s contribution to their societies.
- Strategic meetings to present issues on topics, such as empowering women farmers, to policy makers.
- Some world leaders inspired by this initiative previously proclaimed October 15 as International Rural Women’s Day, drawing special focus on the role of rural women in their countries.
Public life
The International Day of Rural Women is a global observance and is not a public holiday.Background
The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on October 15, 2008. This day recognizes the role 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 at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, China, in 1995. It was suggested that October 15 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. “World Rural Women’s Day” was previously celebrated across the world for more than a decade before it was officially a UN observance.
Symbols
Images of rural woman from different parts of the world are shown in news features and promotional material, including posters, pamphlets, newsletters and other publications on the International Day of Rural Women.
The UN logo is also associated with marketing and promotional material for this event. It features a projection of a world map (less Antarctica) centered on the North Pole, enclosed by olive branches. The olive branches symbolize peace and the world map represents all the people of the world. It has been featured in black against a white background.
Note: The International Day of Rural Women was first celebrated as an official UN observance on October 15, 2008. However, many people around the world celebrated this day in previous years.
RELATED: The theme for the 57th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (4 to 15 March 2013) is: “Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence against women and girls.”
About the activities: Activities can be organized independently in different ways according to specific local priorities and traditions. It is important, however, that any activities or events be concrete and visible to raise the profile of rural women in the public eye. It is up to your own organization, group or committee to make this day meaningful according to your own circumstances.
Some ideas: Exposure and publicity. Mention World Rural Women’s Day in all your publications, newsletters, networks or homepage, contact your local or national radio explaining why it is important that the role and work of rural women is recognized. Hold a press conference, organize an exhibition, and create a national award for exceptional rural women or women’s groups.
Collaboration: Link up with sister organizations, other women’s group for a joint event and to reinforce each other’s efforts. For example, convene a panel discussion and invite rural women’s NGOs to present their projects, discuss their needs, what works and what doesn’t. Find out what your national FAO committee for World Food Day is doing – suggest a joint activity – join in with their celebrations.
Contacts: Inform local authorities, such as local extension agents, the mayor, headman and tell them what you are doing.
Issue raising: Write a letter to your Minister of Agriculture or Prime Minster drawing attention to the contribution and problems facing rural women in your country. If possible, propose to visit the Minister with a delegation – or invite the Minister to come to your World Rural Women’s Day event.
Special events: Organize, for example, a village fair, a stand in the main street, a sale of foodstuffs or handicrafts, put on a play or a show, with songs and music to draw attention to your contribution to sustainable development and problems as rural women, invite the mayor, headman, local authorities as guests, organize a regional workshop on an issue of specific concern to rural women or a national parade through your capital city, with banners, music, etc.
Did you know…
Rural women comprise more than one quarter of the total world population. 500 million women live below the poverty line in rural areas. Women produce 60-80% of basic foodstuffs in sub-Saharan Africa and the Caribbean. Women perform over 50% of the labor involved in intensive rice cultivation in Asia. Women perform 30% of the agricultural work in industrialized countries. Women head 60% of households in some regions of Africa: Women meet 90% of household water and fuel needs in Africa. Women process 100% of basic household foodstuffs in Africa.”SUBMIT A STORY
SEND YOUR STORIES SUBMISSION HERE – ‘HOW I WOULD BETTER THE LIFE OF A RURAL WOMAN’
International Day of Rural Women celebrated OCT 15!
October 14, 2013 by
About Team CelebrationTeam Celebration is a devoted group of women dedicated to sharing information that will better the lives of all women making this space a truly convenient Resource for Women globally. Speak Your Mind: You are invited to leave comments and questions below.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You simply type a KEY WORD into our SEARCH BOX at TOP RIGHT of Homepage and a list of associated topic articles offering truly educational and informative features will be at your fingertips.
