| On 15 October, the world will commemorate World Rural Women’s Day – a day specially set aside, annually, to :
- raise the profile of rural women, and
- sensitise both government and the public on their crucial, yet largely unfulfilled roles and obligation to rural women
World Rural Women's Day was launched by several international non governmental organisations (NGOs) during the 4th United Nations World Conference on Women in Beijing, 1995. Since 1997, the Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF) has organised an annual worldwide empowerment and educational campaign for the day. Celebrations and events take place in more than 100 countries around the world.
The ultimate goal of commemorating this day is to promote action in support of rural female populations. Initiatives on how to celebrate this day are left to individual organisations and communities, based on their own traditions and requirements.
According to the official website for World Rural Women’s Day[1], rural women constitute more than a quarter of the total world population. Because most of the countries hit hardest by the HIV epidemic (most of which are in sub-Saharan Africa) are still overwhelmingly rural, the epidemic represents an enormous threat to rural development. This is also greatly enhanced by the fact that women – especially rural women - on average produce 80% of the food grown in Africa. The loss of their labour due to the HIV epidemic would therefore mean a serious drop in levels of food security within the home and the nation.
Issues for the media
What events are taking place in your nation to commemorate this day?
- How much publicity has the day received in your nation? If it has received none, what could be possible reasons for this? What can you do to generate publicity?
- Estimates reveal that the number of rural women living in poverty has doubled since 1970. Their plight therefore needs to be documented. The best way to do this is to speak with rural female communities on the challenges they face in terms of HIV and AIDS, poverty and food security. How can you gain access to these communities? Are rural women in your area allowed to speak to outsiders without prior consent from village officials?
- Can you find a news angle that links this day to the forthcoming 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence commemorations?
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