International Day of Rural Women 2025 – October 15

The theme for this year’s International Day of Rural Women is “The Rise of Rural Women: Building Resilient Futures with Beijing+30,” this International Day promoted by UN Women seeks to shed light on the inequalities they still face; advocate for their recognition and participation in decision-making; demand stronger social protection systems; and reduce the digital divide. The commemoration aligns with the spirit of Beijing+30, a global plan for gender equality focused on eradicating poverty, achieving climate justice, and ensuring the full participation of all women and girls in sustainable development . Wherever they live.

Rural women are at the heart of global food production. In many countries, agrifood systems are a more significant source of livelihood for women than for men. In sub-Saharan Africa, 66 percent of women’s employment is in agrifood systems, compared with 60 percent of men’s. In Southern Asia, 71 percent of women in the labor force work in agrifood systems, compared with 47 percent of men.

Despite their crucial role, rural women continue to face persistent barriers — including limited access to land, credit, education, and technology – which constrain their productivity and economic opportunities. Evidence from FAO ‘s Status of Women in Agri-food Systems research shows that if even half of small-scale producers benefited from interventions focused on empowering women, it would raise the incomes of an additional 58 million people and strengthen the resilience of 235 million more.

Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment is essential for achieving sustainable and inclusive food systems. It contributes not only to the well-being of women and their families but also to broader development outcomes, including poverty reduction, food security, and climate resilience.

As we approach the International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, CGIAR joins partners and stakeholders in recognizing and celebrating the leadership, innovation, and resilience of rural women. This milestone year will present an opportunity to highlight their contributions to food, land, and water systems and to accelerate collective action toward gender equality and sustainable rural transformation.

Investing in Women is the key to resilient food systems

Women play a central role in food systems, contributing to agricultural labor, production, household nutrition, and the wider economy. However, the barriers they face – shaped by deep-rooted social and cultural norms – continue to limit their potential and hinder progress in agriculture.

At CGIAR, we understand that gender equality isn’t just a matter of fairness, but rather essential for achieving resilient and sustainable food systems and nutritious diets for everyone in the planet. The UN estimates that closing the gender gap in farm productivity and the wage gap in agri-food-system employment could increase global GDP by nearly USD 1 trillion.

GENDER Gains: Thriving with Aquatic Food Systems

Out of the estimated 600 million small-scale fishers and fish workers worldwide—most of who live in developing countries—almost 50 percent are women. Aquatic food systems offer a high-impact pathway to leverage a many gender gains!

This Rural Women’s Day, we celebrate their vital role in feeding and nourishing communities, sustaining ecosystems, and driving resilience in our food systems.

WUNRN

International Day of Rural Women 2025 | CGIAR GENDER Impact Platform