September 15th is the International Day for Rural Women and it's time to shine a spotlight on these unsung heroes who make the world a better place!
Meet Lanita: The Woman Behind the Fields
Let's start with a story, shall we?
Meet Lanita, a rural woman with a smile as wide as her face and a heart as vast as her cornfields. She's up at the crack of dawn, tending to her crops, and nurturing her livestock. Her hands may be calloused, but her spirit is unbreakable.
Lanita's day isn't just about farming; it's about caring for her family, ensuring they have food on the table, and sending her kids to school. She's the backbone of her community, even though she doesn't always get the credit she deserves.
Rural Women: The Backbone of Communities
Lanita's story is just one of millions. Rural women all over the world play a pivotal role in their communities. They're not just farmers; they're educators, caregivers, and entrepreneurs. And they keep traditions alive while adapting to a changing world.
40% of agricultural labourers in the developing world are rural women, many of whom will produce food that is consumed by YOU (or those living in developed countries). [1]
These women may not be in the headlines, but their hard work and resilience deserve our applause. They contribute not only to their families but to the global food supply. Without them, our grocery store shelves would look pretty bare!
Challenges and Triumphs
Now, let’s look more deeply for a moment. Rural women face unique challenges, especially in the world’s poorer countries. Limited access to healthcare, education, and economic opportunities can make their journey tough. While they are as productive and enterprising as their male counterparts, they get fewer rewards such as lower prices for their crops and less access to land or opportunities of expansion.
But you know what's incredible? They're not giving up. They're fighting for their rights and a better future.
Organizations like the the Nehemiah Project in Zimbabwe are working to empower rural women, giving them the tools and knowledge to improve their lives, such as violence prevention, small grants to buy land and farm tools, and the skills to grow crops! It's a slow process, but change is happening.
What Can You Do?
Okay, so what can you and I do to support rural women? Well, here are a few ideas:
1. Support Local: Buy products from rural women-led businesses. You'll get something unique, and they'll get a boost!
2. Advocate: Raise your voice for policies that promote gender equality and rural development. Be a rural women's champion – circulate this post using the social media links below!
3. Share Stories: Share stories like Lanita's to raise awareness about the struggles and triumphs of rural women. Share stories from our ACET partner around the world.
4. Learn: Educate yourself about the challenges women face and the organizations working to help them. Think about where your food is coming from, and the conditions of the workers are farming in. Especially when it comes to coffee, chocolate, and exotic fruits! Start with looking at websites such as FoodUnfolded - A global digital platform for the latest innovations in food and agriculture.
In Conclusion
So, there you have it, folks. International Day for Rural Women is a reminder that these women are the unsung heroes of our world. They may not wear capes, but they're the unseen superheroes who make the world a better place!
Let's celebrate their strength, resilience, and determination. Let's support them, advocate for them, and tell their stories. Together, we can ensure that rural women everywhere get the recognition and support they truly deserve.
[1] Women in agriculture | Reduce Rural Poverty | Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (fao.org)