International Day of Rural Women brings a powerful reminder: rural women carry half the sky—and still face steep challenges daily. From funding cuts and political pushback on gender equality to limited land rights and scarce resources, these women juggle farm work alongside unpaid chores like water collection that steal 200 million hours globally per day 🌍💧.
In sub-Saharan Africa, rural women make up nearly 49% of the agrifood systems workforce and 63% of off-farm traders and processors—but far too often, they lack access to land, finance, and inputs. This slows individual progress and weakens local economies and global food systems 🚜🍅.
🌟 Action 1: Gender-Responsive Infrastructure
Investing in infrastructure that puts women first is a game-changer. When markets have clean water, toilets, and childcare, women can trade and earn without worrying about family needs. In Nairobi, Wow Mom Kenya teamed up with the County Government to add childcare corners in busy markets, letting moms work and feel secure that their little ones are safe👶🏽🏛️.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Project for the Reinforcement of Socioeconomic Infrastructure in the Central Region is rolling out safe water points closer to villages. Fewer hours walking for water means more time for education, income, and community leadership. Talk about leveling up! 🚰👩🏾🌾
Removing these barriers unleashes huge gains for women, families, and entire economies. Infrastructure that centers women is just step one—let’s keep driving change so rural women everywhere can thrive! 🌱✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
