It's Our Deep Concern; Women In Rural Areas Need Economic Empowerment.

Women in rural areas face constraints in engaging in economic activities because of gender-based discrimination and social norms, disproportionate involvement in unpaid work, and unequal access to education, healthcare, property, and financial and other services. They're also disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of environmental disasters and climate change.

Promoting and ensuring women empowerment in rural areas through decent work and productive employment, not only contributes to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, but also enhances the effectiveness of poverty reduction and food security initiatives, as well as climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts.

Most women in rural areas engage in farming, hand craft skills and other forms of minor businesses. With their meagre earnings, they also take responsibility for the well-being of family members, including food provision and care for children and the elderly. Their unpaid work, particularly in poor households, often include collecting wood and water.

Rural women workers on average are paid 25 percent less than men, and they typically work longer hours. They are also often engaged in labour-intensive work in difficult conditions, which lack occupational safety and health measures, and social protection. Women agricultural workers are particularly vulnerable to sexual or other violence and harassment. Women's presence in workers' and employers' organisations remain low, leading to a lack of voice and policy-making and programme development.