International Day for Rural Women 2024

Promoting gender equality and uplifting women is not only imperative but also an important factor in combating extreme poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.

Every year on October 15, we celebrate International Day for Rural Women, a day dedicated to honoring the vital contributions of women living and working in rural areas. These women, who rely heavily on natural resources and agriculture for their livelihoods, often serve as farmers, entrepreneurs, and formal and informal agricultural workers.

This year’s theme, “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building Climate Resilience, Conserving Biodiversity, and Empowering Women and Girls,” highlights the essential role rural women play in environmental sustainability. Despite representing 25% of the global population and 43% of the agricultural workforce, they own only 20% of the land and face significant challenges. These include limited access to financial resources, social protections, and trade, as well as earning about 40% less than men on average. Many live in communities with inadequate access to healthcare, clean water, and education. Their potential is often held back by gender-based discrimination, restricting their growth opportunities.

This day aims to address these challenges and promote gender equality for a sustainable future. Empowering rural women not only drives economic growth and food security but also enhances gender equality and community resilience, especially in the face of climate change. By uplifting rural women, we strengthen entire communities and contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society for everyone.

One key way to empower women in rural areas is by ensuring that girls receive quality education. Educated women are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, families, and finances, leading to better outcomes for future generations. Additionally, providing access to healthcare services and economic opportunities is crucial for their empowerment.

FAME Foundation, through its Green Ball project, is dedicated to celebrating the impact of women by using sports as a unifying tool to drive climate change awareness and action among Nigerian citizens. By promoting education, access to resources, and community engagement, FAME Foundation aims to empower rural women while promoting a culture of environmental stewardship. Together, we can create a future where rural women are recognized not only for their contributions but also as equal partners in shaping their destinies and those of their communities.