NIRWN celebrated International Day of Rural Women with our membership on October 15th, 2020.  Our celebration events were held online for the first time due to Covid-19 restrictions.

NIRWN’s day of celebration was opened by Minister Poots MLA, Minister for Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs NI.  The Minister outlined his recognition of the contribution of rural women to their communities and his support of NIRWN.  His address can be viewed here

We had a full day of events International Day of Rural Women Flyer 2020

Some events available to view are:

How to Make an Autumn Wreath

Covid-19: Impact on Rural Women Feminist Recovery Plan

Why Celebrate International Day of Rural Women?

The first International Day of Rural Women was observed on 15 October 2008. This new international day, established by the General Assembly in its resolution 62/136 of 18 December 2007, recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty.”

For that reason, the resolution urges the Member States, in collaboration with the organizations of the United Nations and civil society to implement measures that could improve rural women’s lives.

Governments and society need to pay attention to their needs and invest in them, pursuing the political and socio-economic empowerment of rural women and supporting their full and equal participation in decision-making at all levels, take them into account in their policies