International Day of Rural Women was celebrated on October 15, 2020 across the globe.
Theme:
- This year the day celebrated with the theme of ‘Building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19.’
Background
- The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008.
- This new international day, established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, 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.”
Major Facts
- Less than 20% of landholders worldwide are women. In rural areas, the gender pay gap is as high as 40%.
- Rural women – a quarter of the world’s population – work as farmers, wage earners, and entrepreneurs.
- Reducing the gap in labour force participation rates between men and women by 25% by the year 2025 could raise global GDP by 3.9%.
