Nelly Bassily | September 23, 2013
October 15, 2013 marks the sixth International Day of Rural Women. The Day was first observed on October 15, 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.”
In his message for last year’s International Day of Rural Women, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said: “Empowering rural women is crucial for ending hunger and poverty. By denying women rights and opportunities, we deny their children and societies a better future.”
The International Day of Rural Women presents broadcasters with an excellent opportunity to highlight the roles that women and girls play in their communities. Do women have equal access to education? Are they able to inherit? Are they the victims of physical or mental oppression?
There are several related links available on the UN’s website at: http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/. Stories, photos and videos are available via this link: http://www.un.org/en/events/ruralwomenday/multimedia.shtml