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International Women’s Day 2014: Inspiring change

March 8 is celebrated as International Women’s Day across the globe. Farm Radio Weekly’s issue #280 is dedicated to women farmers and women’s rights.

Kenyan businesswoman Lucy Ndu’gu combined her education with a passion for farming to set up a successful small livestock farm near Nairobi. Starting with one breeding rabbit, she has created a flourishing farm which sells meat and eggs to local customers, and to supermarkets and hotels.

Mrs. Halimatou Ibrahim received some goats through a government-led scheme to support impoverished families in rural Niger. Profits from the offspring mean that she can support her children and the family’s needs without relying on her husband.

Homosexuality and other non-heterosexual gender orientations are contentious subjects in many African countries. But lawmakers in South Africa are taking progressive steps to protect lesbians, gay men and transgendered people from those who seek to “correct” their behaviour through rape and other forms of violence and hate speech.

There is further information about International Women’s Day in FRW’s Event section. In the Resource section, there is advice for journalists on how to cover sexual orientations and gender identities in a sensitive manner. You can find these sections in the sidebar.

Let’s celebrate the vital contribution that women make to our communities and societies by highlighting their skills, experiences and passions, not just on March 8, but every day!

-The Farm Radio Weekly team