International Day of Rural Women

International Day of Rural Women is observed each year on October 15. It’s a day to recognize and honor the contributions of women in rural areas worldwide—women who sustain families, communities, lands, and food systems, often with minimal recognition. ¹

History of International Day of Rural Women

The idea of recognizing rural women more visibly has roots going back to the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing in 1995, where participants emphasized the importance of women’s roles in rural life. Over time, the notion grew in visibility and support.

Officially, the United Nations General Assembly adopted resolution 62/136 on December 18, 2007, establishing the International Day of Rural Women. The first official UN observance was held on October 15, 2008. Since then, the day has grown into a focal point for advocacy, awareness, and action regarding gender equity, rural development, and sustainable agriculture.

Why is International Day of Rural Women important?

Rural women constitute a significant portion of the agricultural workforce globally and are critical in ensuring food security, land management, and sustainable practices. But despite their indispensable roles, they often face structural barriers: limited access to land ownership, credit, extension services, technology, education, and decision‑making arenas. The day helps bring attention to these inequalities and to the need for inclusive policies that support rural women’s agency and resilience.

Moreover, as climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation escalate, rural women are often on the front lines—both as vulnerable to impacts and as stewards of the land. Recognizing their knowledge, capacities, and rights is essential if sustainable development and climate resilience are to succeed. The 2024 theme, for example, is “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land toward gender equality and empowerment”. ¹

• It affirms the vital but underrecognized role of rural women in food systems
• It spotlights gender disparities in access to resources and rights
• It encourages policy change toward rural women’s empowerment
• It fosters public awareness and advocacy for inclusive rural development
• It links rural women’s concerns with climate, biodiversity, and sustainability

How to Observe International Day of Rural Women

One way is to support or amplify voices of rural women—share stories, research, or interviews that highlight their experiences, strengths, and challenges. Social media, blogs, or community platforms can help bring attention to voices often overlooked. Use relevant hashtags (e.g. #RuralWomen, #RuralWomenDay, #InternationalDayOfRuralWomen) to connect globally.

You might also collaborate locally with agricultural groups, NGOs, or community centers to host small events—panels, workshops, photo exhibits, or discussions—focusing on rural women’s issues in your region. Invite local rural women to share their perspectives and ideas. Advocate with local policymakers or institutions for measures that improve access to land, training, credit, infrastructure, technology, and decision-making for rural women. Educate others—students, neighbors, civic groups—about the gaps rural women face and what steps can help close them.

• Share a story or profile of a rural woman in your community
• Host or join a discussion or webinar on rural women’s rights
• Partner with a local NGO to support rural women’s projects
• Educate children or youth about why rural women matter
• Advocate for policies that promote land access, credit, training

International Day of Rural Women Dates Table

1. https://www.un.org/en/observances/rural-women-day[↩][↩]