Today, on 15th October, we take a moment to honour the often-overlooked contributions of rural women around the world. These women are the backbone of agricultural communities, stewards of the land, and central to the wellbeing of families and villages. Yet, despite their essential roles, they face a host of challenges that make their lives particularly difficult.
In many regions, rural women contend with deep inequalities—whether in education, healthcare, or access to resources. Early marriage, limited maternal healthcare, and the ongoing threat of poverty disproportionately affect women in rural areas. Too often, their work is unpaid and unrecognised, and the systems meant to support them remain inadequate.
The UN’s recognition of this day calls attention to the need for rural women to have greater access to the resources and opportunities that will allow them to thrive. It is a call to ensure that they are not just seen, but heard—particularly in decisions that impact their communities and livelihoods.
The communities we work with have taught us that, while rural women may face enormous hardships, they are often the most resilient, resourceful, and quietly transformative forces in society. Their knowledge of the land, commitment to family, and ability to adapt in the face of environmental and social change are powerful examples of leadership that deserve to be supported.
There is much to be learned from rural women, whose lives remain closely connected to the cycles of nature and the needs of their communities. When these women are empowered—through better access to healthcare, education, and land ownership—the benefits are felt not only by their families but by the entire community.
As we reflect on this day, our thoughts are with those women in rural areas who continue to face injustice, and with those who work tirelessly to nurture their land and families, often without recognition. Let us keep their struggles and contributions in our hearts, and strive to support efforts that allow rural women to flourish, both in their personal lives and in the broader context of sustainable development.