International Day for Rural Women, 2023

The United Nations has named 15th October as International Day for Rural Women. This day highlights the significance of rural women in agricultural labor. Despite being a significant part of the agricultural labor force worldwide, rural women still remain underrepresented and face discrimination. On International Day of Rural Women, these issues are discussed, and demand for gender equality is made.

International Day of Rural Women was first celebrated on 15th October 2008. This day is as much about acknowledging the efforts of rural women as it is about demanding better living conditions for them. Know more about the history and significance of this day here.

What is International Day of Rural Women?

International Day for Rural Women is a day designated by the United Nations to highlight the challenges faced by rural women worldwide. On this day, the contribution of rural women to agricultural practices is discussed and honored on a global level. The idea of International Day for Rural Women was proposed during the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995.

This day is observed on the eve of World Food Day and highlights the importance of rural women in ensuring food production on a global level. The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15th October 2008.

International Day for Rural Women Theme 2022

The theme for this year's International Day of Rural Women has not been announced by the United Nations yet. Find the details about the last year's theme below:

International Day for Rural Women 2021 Theme

International Day for Rural Women 2021 was "Rural women cultivating good food for all." On this occasion, the UN recognized the heroines in the food systems of the world and made a statement pointing out some important facts such as -

• Although rural women are involved in producing, processing, preparing, and distributing foods, they do not have equal power with men.
• Rural women earn less income and experience higher food insecurity than their male counterparts.
• There is an urgent need for rural women to gain equal profits from their productivity.
• The contribution of rural women to farming is often underestimated and unremunerated, and their efforts to the rural economy are widely unrecognized.

As part of International Day for Rural Women, the UN Women organization works for rural girls and women around the globe. Apart from standing in solidarity with them, it helps the rural women workforce in agriculture to build their skills, resilience, and leadership.

History of International Day for Rural Women

The UN General Assembly established the International Day for Rural Women on 18th December 2007 through Resolution 62/136 to stress the role of rural and indigenous women in agricultural development. Here are more details about the history of this day:

• International Day of Rural Women was first celebrated on 15th October 2008.
• The idea behind this day was conceived by NGOs, who presented this idea at the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing in 1995.
• This day honors rural women and spreads the word about their contribution and labor in global food production and food security.

Significance of International Day for Rural Women

The United Nations observes international days and weeks to raise awareness and educate the general public concerning global issues, provide resources, and celebrate the achievements of humanity. Similarly, the International Day of Rural Women has been established to uplift rural women and recognize their agricultural and domestic work efforts. Through World Rural Women's Day, the UN underlines issues of social discrimination among rural women and intends to -

• Promote gender equality among the global agricultural labor force.
• Empower rural girls and women.
• Fight against conditions of extreme poverty and unacceptable problems of hunger and malnutrition faced by rural women.
• Eliminate social barriers and discriminatory norms that limit a women's potential to make decisions and keep her from participating in political matters of rural households and communities.

How to Celebrate International Day for Rural Women

Here are some ideas to celebrate the International Day for Rural Women:

• Educate yourself about the contributions of rural women to food production and food security.
• Support local rural women with their demands for equal pay and better living conditions.
• Be a part of discussions and similar events that amplify the challenges faced by rural women and demand change.
• Donate to the cause to NGOs, rural women support groups, etc.

FAQs on International Day for Rural Women

Q1. What is the International Day for Rural Women?

International Day for Rural Women is observed on 15th October every year. This is a day designated by the United Nations to honor rural women who work in agriculture. On this day, demands for better living and working conditions for rural women are made.

Q2. When was the first International Day for Rural Women celebrated?

The first International Day for Rural Women was celebrated on 15th October 2008. The United Nations General Assembly officiated this day on 18th December 2007, to create equal opportunities, eradicate rural poverty, and empower women and girls in rural areas.

Q3. Why is International Day for Rural Women celebrated?

International Day for Rural Women is celebrated to raise awareness about the discriminatory conditions of rural women and girls around the globe and empower them with favorable opportunities in agriculture.

Q4. What was International Day for Rural Women theme 2021?

The International Day for Rural Women 2021 theme was "Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All." This theme aimed to recognize the efforts of rural women and girls in agricultural and domestic work, and fight against their conditions of poverty, hunger, and social discrimination.