Rural Women in the spotlight

(Vatican Radio) On October 15^th we observe the International Day of Rural Women.
Established by the United Nations in 2008, it 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.”
Rural women play a critical role in the rural economies of both developed and developing countries. In most parts of the developing world they participate in crop production and livestock care, provide food, water and fuel for their families, and engage in off-farm activities to diversify their families’ livelihoods. In addition, they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and the sick.
Speaking to Vatican Radio’s Linda Bordoni, Isatou Jallow, the chief of the World Food Programme’s Gender Unit, says she doesn’t see rural women as being vulnerable, but rather as being strong and resilient – but too often living in vulnerable situations…
Listen to the interview…
Ms Jallow speaks of the launch of a joint project to empower women farmers around the world because they are the key to building a more food secure world.
She explains that four UN agencies have joined forces to cooperate for action and change on the ground.
The initiative brings together WFP, UN Women, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and aims to empower /a> women as regards food security in their communities.