World Rural Women's Day

15 October

The idea of a World Rural Women's Day to be devoted each year to honor rural women began at a UN Conference for Women in Beijing in September 1995. The International Federation of Agricultural Producers (IFAP), Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW), Network of African Rural Women Associations (NARWA), and the Women's World Summit Foundation (WWSF) were the main proponents of the day.

This was considered a practical way of obtaining recognition and support for the multiple roles of rural women who are mostly farmers and small entrepreneurs. Rural women make up more than a quarter of the world population. They contribute to the wellbeing of their families and the development of rural economies. Because of their key role in food production and food security, it was decided that the World Rural Women's Day fall on the 15 October - the day before the World Food Day.

World Rural Women's day provides rural women and their organizations with a focal point to :

Raise the profile of rural women,
Sensitise both government and public to their crucial, yet largely unrecognised roles, and
Promote action in their support.