Every year on October 15th, International Rural Women's Day is celebrated by people worldwide. The day focuses on gender equality and celebrates the accomplishments and contributions of village women in rural development and agriculture, which often doesn’t gain any recognition and go unnoticed. In this blog, we’ll take you through the important role played by women in shaping society and supporting the economy, the history behind International Rural Women’s Day, how to celebrate the accomplishments of rural women on Rural Women’s Day and much more. Keep on reading to gain interesting insights about the day.
History Behind Setting Up Of International Rural Women’s Day
Since its foundation in the year 1945, the United Nations (U.N.) is well known for continuously striving to keep nations at peace. With a multitude of humanitarian initiatives, laws, policies, and resolutions, the international body is also known for protecting the environment. The United Nations has undertaken several humanitarian initiatives and adopted resolutions and laws aiming to create a better world for all. Among others, its efforts in improving the economic status and well-being of rural women is one of the most impressive accomplishments.
The interesting history behind declaring 15th October as International Rural Women’s Day started in the year 1995. The Fourth World Conference on Women, which took place in Beijing, China, in 1995, focused primarily on the theme of women's empowerment. To recognise the importance of rural women to agriculture, food production, and food safety, the UN proposed that the 15th of October be marked as International Day of Rural Women.
Image Credit:- Kala Raksha
Later in 2003, a resolution was adopted at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva calling for the development of ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) skills for all, especially for village women who live in rural areas.
During the 2005 Tunis Agenda For Information Society in Tunis, Tunisia, again this resolution was discussed.
Finally, in the year 2007 on December 18, The UN declared that October 15 would be recognised yearly as International Rural Women’s Day. Since then, every nation in the world started celebrating and acknowledging the accomplishments of rural women. (2)
Role Of Women In Rural Development
The development of rural spaces is primarily influenced by rural women. Rural women help in facilitating the economic, environmental, and social transformations necessary for sustainable development. Given the substantial contribution that women make to the agricultural workforce globally, empowering them is essential for the well-being of families, and rural communities as well as for overall economic advancement. Here are some of the major roles played by women in agriculture and rural development.
- Agriculture & Food Security
In rural places, women are majorly the caretakers of family farms. They take part in a range of agricultural operations, including raising animals and planting and harvesting crops. In addition to increasing food production, empowering women in agriculture by providing them with resources, training, and modern agricultural methods also lowers poverty and hunger in rural areas.
- Economic Diversification
Village women not only contribute towards agriculture but they are also involved in a variety of non-farming pursuits, including handicrafts, microbusinesses, and cottage enterprises. These sources of revenue support economic diversification and lessen reliance on one sector of the economy.
- Social Welfare & Community Development
When it comes to social welfare and community building, rural women are said to take frequent initiatives. They work on projects including starting self-help groups, planning health fairs, and advancing education. Their participation improves social cohesiveness and aids in addressing challenges prevailing in their community, such as healthcare, sanitation, and education.
- Spreading Awareness On Healthcare & Education
Women frequently advocate for greater healthcare and education facilities as part of their role in rural development. They are essential in making sure that kids, particularly girls, have access to high-quality education. Additionally, they actively participate in projects to promote maternal and child healthcare as well as programmes to raise awareness of healthcare issues.
Despite making up half of the world's population, women and girls continue to experience injustices that impede social and economic advancement. This International Rural Women’s Day, let’s all come together and take a pledge to make a difference by uplifting rural women and celebrating their efforts.
How Can We Celebrate International Rural Women's Day?
Here is how you too can be a part of this special day and help in bringing reform to village women’s lives:
- Spread Awareness
Start by spreading awareness on the significance of celebrating Rural Women’s Day and let the people around you know about this day. This can be done by organising awareness campaigns, seminars, and workshops and highlighting the various difficulties experienced by rural women. These occasions have the potential to highlight their priceless contributions to rural communities and shed light on the problems they confront, such as lack of access to healthcare, education, and land rights.
- Attend Various Discussions Around The Topic
If you are not able to organise a seminar, then you can become a part of various discussion groups, this will help you understand the current challenges faced by rural women and the way forward.
- Work With NGOs
You can also work in collaboration with various NGOs who work for the upliftment of rural women. Working with NGOs can help you build an understanding of various initiatives of government in rural women’s development and empowerment projects.
At iTokri, we take pride in India’s rural women and their unwavering commitment towards keeping their handicrafts alive. We partner with these skilled artisans in bringing authentic tribal and folk paintings like Madhubani paintings by Hira Devi, Bhil Paintings by Geeta Bariya and more. From grass baskets, to maddur grass mats, rural women in India are masters at various handicrafts. Phulkari embroidery from Punjab, Chickankari embroidery from Lucknow, Nakshikantha from West Bengal are all helmed by the skilled hands of the rural women from the regions.
If you always want to do your bit in empowering rural women, then this International Rural Women’s Day, shop from iTokri. iTokri brings you a vast expanse of products made by skilled women artisans from rural areas. From authentic Indian sarees to home decor items, we’ve it all for you to celebrate the day.
Frequently Asked Questions On International Rural Women’s Day
Who can celebrate this day?
Everyone can celebrate the contribution and sacrifices of rural women on International Day For Rural Women.
Is this day celebrated every year?
Yes, International Rural Women’s Day is celebrated every year on the 15th of October.
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