Tinaye Agere
Online Reporter
ZIMBABWE on Tuesday commemorated the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated annually on October 15 to highlight the critical role that rural women and girls play in food systems of the world.
This year’s event ran under the theme “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All”.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Zimbabwe Gender Commission(ZGC) said the day is meant to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of rural women and girls to the food systems.
“According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), approximately 80 percent of women in communal areas make up 61 percent of the farming community and contribute an impressive 70 percent of agricultural labour,” reads the statement.
“Alarmingly, many are classified as unpaid family workers, dedicating 16 to 18 hours a day — 49 percent to agricultural activities and 25 percent to domestic responsibilities.”
ZGC called upon the Government and relevant stakeholders to implement gender-sensitive policies that promote women’s rights to land and other resources.
“Empowering rural women is essential for achieving our national goals of food security and gender equality.
“As we work toward Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 5 (Gender Equality and Women Empowerment), let us recognise that women living in rural areas are key to rebuilding our food systems and fostering resilient communities.”
Bongani Ndlovu