International Day of Rural Women 2017 observed globally

15 October: International Day of Rural Women

The International Day of Rural Women was celebrated across the world on 15 October 2017 with the theme 'Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls'.

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.

The Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly through its resolution 62/136 dated 18 December 2007. It was first celebrated on 15 October 2008.

Theme of 2017 International Day of Rural Women

'Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls'

Globally, women comprise 43 per cent of agricultural workforce and play a critical role in supporting household food security. However, due to inequitable social norms, women farmers have less access to secure land tenure, agricultural inputs, water and energy, appropriate infrastructure, etc.

Such scenarios need close attention to enable women farmers to adopt climate-resilient agricultural approaches at the same rate as men for secured land tenure, greater financial inclusion and access to information.

Considering this, the UN kept this year's theme to address the challenges of rural women and to spread awareness among public to bring about gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls.