The role of women in decision-making is central to the advancement of Women. Women’s Empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equali
The role of women in decision-making is central to the advancement of Women. Women’s Empowerment and their full participation on the basis of equality should not be taken for granted.
The Theme for this year’s celebration is “Rural women cultivating good food for all,” highlights the important and critical role that Rural Women play in the productivity food chain. Women work tirelessly on the farm lands but they do not often own the lands.
This is truly a celebration; a celebration of the contributions rural women makes in every aspect of life. On the farm, in the home, on the job, in their communities as mothers, sisters, wives, dignitaries, learners, workers, citizens, leaders etc.
Rural areas are traditionally not areas included in the urban definition but they are however large. They provide food security for their families, communities and society, they often earn less income. These women contribute a lot to the food basket and yet they face hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
The primary industry in most rural areas agriculture and most of the rural folks live or work on yet they are often left out in the decision-making process and not recognized, they earn less income. They provide the food basket but yet they face hunger, malnutrition and food insecurity.
A woman who finds herself in a rural society is seen as an agent of economic and social changes although they may be constrained in their roles as farmers, producers, caregivers, housewives, investors to mention a few. They play a very crucial role in domestic activities despite their enormous contributions to income generating activities. Emotional and social support women provide for the family and the society at large focusing especially, on child bearing, provision of food are not placed on a high value.
Most rural women are resilient and very hardworking, placing the needs of their children, spouse, family and community on their priority list. Women work more than men regardless of the season; both in farming and non-farm activities. Rural women taking advantage of their agrarian environment contribute high labour input, consisting of manual labour for household and farming activities.
The current situation lies in the blend of traditional and modernization wherein the women need better access to knowledge and skills.
Rural women have many roles as farmers, they plant, weed and harvest food crops and tend livestock. As caretakers, they look after children and relatives, prepare meals and manage the home. Many women earn extra income by working as wage labourers, producing and selling vegetables, or engaging in small-scale trading and enterprises. Added to these multiple tasks, they spend long hours fetching water and collecting firewood.
Despite their many responsibilities, women have significantly less access to the resources and services they need to increase their productivity and their income and ease their burden of household duties. Rural women are held back by lack of education, unequal property rights and limited control over resources. Labour intensive and time-consuming activities further hinder their ability to improve their income-earning potential.
There is the need to remove or eliminate gender stereotype and unearth the hidden potentials of rural women through education, empowerment capacity building, gender equality etc.
Progress for women is progress for all. I once again salute all rural women as we celebrate them for the hardwork, dedication and commitment to their families and their communities.
Traditionally, married women do not farm independently of their husbands. Those who do may face challenges such as limited labour and capital.
Men used to think women were supposed to be in the kitchen and mainly engage in household chores. NGOs like Ultimate Women’s Foundation has come to stay and are very much dedicated to educating and empowering women as well as the whole community on gender issues and encouraging women to understand, appreciate and support women. A man’s success never lies in the failure of a woman.
Source: ahafonews
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