In many parts of the world, rural women’s contribution to national development is huge and irreplaceable. Rural women, aside from carrying out domestic chores and being primary caregivers for children and the whole family, are essential agents in agricultural productivity and food security through growing crops and managing livestock.
In many countries, especially developing countries, rural women are key players in agricultural activities. They are often responsible for growing crops and managing livestock, which is vital to ensuring food security at the household and national levels.
According to studies, about 62 % of women in Africa are involved in agriculture and allied occupations, and around 40 % of the total food production labor is supplied by women.
The economic contribution of rural women is also huge. Engaging in various small-scale activities, such as selling handcrafted products, agricultural outputs and sale of eggs and chicken, Women play an important role in generating income and lessening the burden of poverty.
However, despite their key role in a given country’s socioeconomic development, rural women’s contribution often remains invisible and even left unrecognized or less appreciated.
To give recognition and commemorate the indispensable contribution of rural women to agriculture and rural development as well as the growth and development of countries and harnessing their full potential, the international community marks International Rural Women’s Day (IRWD) every year on October 15.
This year’s International Day of Rural Women was also observed here in Addis Ababa at African Union Hall under the theme “Empowering Women Living in Rural Areas through Education and Access to Technology: Bridging the Gap Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-food Systems in Africa.”
According to documents, 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 role of women in national development cannot be overemphasized.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Women and Social Affairs Ergogie Tesfaye (PhD) underscored how education and technology can benefit rural women, the critical importance of investing in education, technology, and the development of inclusive systems for empowering rural women.
Minister Ergogie said that across Africa, the agri-food sector remains the backbone of many rural communities. “We know that the backbones of agri-food in rural areas are also women. It is the source of livelihoods, food security, and economic resilience for millions of families.”
Women make up a significant portion of the agricultural workforce and play critical roles in household food security, and nutrition, as well as agricultural and rural development in general, she noted.
Despite their integral roles, rural women often face significant challenges that hinder their potential including limited access to education, finance, resources, and modern technology. However, despite the challenges, rural women are playing a key role in the efforts undertaken to ensure food security at the family level.
To this end and to make them productive citizens in every aspect they are engaged in, thereby improving the lives of rural women, various activities are being implemented through expanding access to education and technology.
What is more, laws and operational frameworks, which enable the rural women to have the right to land ownership and access to finance are being devised and implemented accordingly. In addition, women who are vulnerable to various man-made and natural disasters are being supported so as to enable them to lead a better life, the Minister added.
The Minister also emphasized three key pillars that are essential for empowering rural women which are education, technology, and the development of an inclusive system.
According to the Minister, increasing access to education, technology, and the development of an inclusive system enable rural women to find solutions for some challenges that they encounter in their day-to-day activities. These mechanisms help them to contribute to food security by boosting crop yields; reducing women’s domestic and productive work by introducing labor-saving technologies; and increasing participation of women in the rural labor market through better communications.
Governments, private sectors, and international partners need to invest in infrastructure such as internet access, and mobile networks so that rural communities are not left behind in the digital age. By ensuring that women can access and utilize modern technology, we can open the doors to new opportunities in marketing, finance, and agricultural innovation, she pointed out.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment at the African Union Josefa Leonel Sacko said rural women are the backbone of the agricultural system in Africa. Thus, empowering rural women, who are the backbone of African agriculture, is a shared responsibility.
Noting that women play a crucial role in the African Agri-food system as they are the key drivers of agricultural growth, she said education is a powerful tool for women’s empowerment.
Bridging the gap for an inclusive and sustainable agri-food system is critical, she said, adding that to build an inclusive and sustainable agri-food system, addressing the barriers that prevent rural women from fully participating in and benefiting from this system is essential.
According to the Commissioner, accessing quality education and expanding technology to improve the lives of African rural women is not something that can be said for tomorrow. Rural women should be supported in the area of agriculture to produce products that will benefit them economically beyond family level consumption.
She also urged member countries of the Union to work together to enable rural women to contribute their share to ensure the sustainable food security of the continent.
The International Day of Rural Women, established by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, is observed on 15 October every year.
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 event was organized by the African Union Commission and partners with the overall objective of showcasing best practices of empowerment interventions and promoting the development of inclusive and sustainable Agri-food systems in Africa, ENA reported.
BY STAFF REPORTER
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 25 OCTOBER 2024
