This was considered a practical way of obtaining recognition and support for the multiple roles of rural women who are mostly farmers and small entrepreneurs. Rural women make us more than a quarter of the world population. They contribute to the wellbeing of their families and the development of rural economies. Because of their key role in food production and food security, it was decided that the World Rural Women's Day fall on the 15 October - the day before the World Food Day. Initiative on how to celebrate this day is left to individual organizations and communities, according to their own traditions and requirements.
Stress is placed on the importance of activities or events being concrete and visible.
You will be able to find activities reports and Information Document in english and french . In order to capitalize on the momentum created and extend the outreach of the World Rural Women's Day, a second Global Awareness Campaign to Increase Knowledge and Empowerment was launched in 1998. It was promoted by IFAP and WWSF, the latter acting as coordinator. Materials were prepared in seven languages, with the addition of German and Russian to the five UN languages used in the previous year. The packages included a colored poster, a postcard, an open letter to rural women and a global impact sheet, with a display of organizations, governments, FAO country representatives and others that had reported on their activities in celebration of the Day in 1997.