INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR RURAL WOMEN 2025; THE RISE OF RURAL WOMEN, BUILDING RESILIENT FUTURES WITH BEIJING +30

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. This International Annual Observance established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, recognises “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 International Day of Rural Women aligns closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically:

*SDG 1: No Poverty* – Rural women are key in driving poverty alleviation, particularly in rural areas, where they often manage resources and engage in agricultural activities.

*SDG 5: Gender Equality* – Rural women face gender-based disparities in accessing resources, services, and rights. The day advocates for closing the gender gap, particularly in rural economies.

*SDG 2: Zero Hunger* – Women’s involvement in agricultural production and food security makes them essential partners in ending hunger and ensuring access to nutritious food globally.

*The Impact and Challenges Faced by Rural Women*

Rural women make up 25% of the global population and 43% of the agricultural workforce. However, only 20% of rural landowners are women, and they often face greater obstacles in accessing financial resources, healthcare, and education compared to their male counterparts. These disparities not only affect their livelihoods but also hinder the overall development of rural economies.

Despite their contributions, rural women are frequently subject to discriminatory social norms and laws that limit their participation in decision-making processes, both in their homes and in their communities. Many rural women perform essential unpaid labor, such as household chores and caregiving, on top of their agricultural work, without recognition or compensation

The purpose of this day is to recognise the important contributions and roles of rural women in agriculture, rural development, food security and poverty eradication.

The theme for this year’s celebration;’The Rise of Rural Women: Building Resilient Futures with Beijing+30,’ highlights key challenges, including recognition, decision-making, social protection, and digital access, for rural women. Women in rural areas are becoming self-reliant through various initiatives.

On this International Day of Rural Women, we call for bold action to advance equal access to economic opportunities and empowerment of women and girls living in rural settings. Every day, they feed communities, protect the environment, and power sustainable development.

Investing in them is both an act of justice and a safeguard for our shared future.

For generations, women in rural settings have driven collective movements for change:mobilizing communities, influencing policies, and championing vital issues such as climate justice. Their leadership continues to build bridges between local action and global progress, even as rural areas are hit hardest by extreme poverty and food insecurity, impacting women, youth, and Indigenous Peoples the most. If current trends continue, 351 million women and girls will still live in extreme poverty by 2030.

Advancing their livelihoods, leadership, rights, and resilience –as set out in the Beijing+30 Action Agenda– is essential.

When rural women rise, fields flourish, families thrive, and societies transform, propelling us toward the vision of the Beijing Declaration

*Happy International Day for Rural Women*

Mrs. Adeleke Busari
INFORMATION OFFICER MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS & SOCIAL INCLUSION