Every October 15th marks the International Day of Rural Women, proclaimed by the United Nations to recognize the essential contribution of rural women and girls to sustainable development, food security, and poverty eradication. This recognition should translate into measures that promote their economic autonomy, participation in decision-making, and dignified living and working conditions.
The International Year of the Farmer, promoted by the FAO, focuses on women's contribution to agriculture and agri-food systems, inviting the reinforcement of public policies to eliminate persistent inequalities in rural areas. Rural women are farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, professionals, traders, artisans, caregivers, and fundamental agents for social and territorial cohesion, keeping villages alive and being key to the ecological transition and innovation.
Local entities, as the closest administration, play an essential role in equal opportunities in rural areas. They promote policies adapted to territorial realities, foster female participation, and strengthen social cohesion. Equal opportunities are key to fulfilling the 2030 Agenda, directly contributing to SDGs 5, 8, 10, and 11.
The prevention and attention to violence against women in rural areas require responses adapted to geographical dispersion and isolation. Within the framework of the State Pact against Gender Violence, administrations must guarantee accessible resources and specialized care.
Collaboration with organizations such as AFAMMER and FADEMUR is fundamental. The FEMP recognizes their work in representation, training, and defense of the rights of rural women and reaffirms its willingness to count on their experience in designing public policies.
The FEMP reaffirms its commitment to real and effective equality, will promote a gender perspective in local policies, will foster the recognition of rural women's contributions, and will facilitate the dissemination of instruments for their work in the agricultural sector. It will support female entrepreneurship, leadership, and generational renewal, and will defend quality public services and digital connectivity.
It will continue to promote actions against gender violence, foster women's participation in decision-making bodies, and strengthen collaboration with administrations and representative organizations. It invites municipalities to join this commemoration and promote actions that recognize the contribution of rural women.
