Empower Rural Women to participate in shaping laws, policies and programmes.
This week, UN Women marks three UN observances that reflect women's key role in development, beginning with International Day for Rural Women on October 15t h, World Food Day on October 16th and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on October 17th . Rural women are key agents for development. They play a catalytic role towards achievement of transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. But limited access to credit, health care and education are among the many challenges they face. These are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering them is essential, not only for the well-being of individuals, families and rural communities, but also for overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide. UN Women supports the leadership and participation of rural women in shaping laws, policies and programmes on all issues that affect ...