International Day of Rural Women

15 October every year: Recognising the role of women in improving rural development and food security.

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. The Day 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.” It is purposely held the day before World Food Day, in order to highlight the role played by rural women in food production and food security.

In many of the world's poorer countries women play a vital role in the rural economy. They are involved in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and carry out other activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. For further details, visit the UN's International Day of Rural Women web page. http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/

There is a great 'infographic' on the Guardian website showing the female face of farming.http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2012/mar/02/female-face-farming-fao#zoomed-picture  If you would like some ideas and teaching resources to help your school celebrate the International Day of Rural Women, browse through the resources listed in our databse under the topics of Gender or Rural or Farming.