JOIN NFU on Sunday, October 15th as we celebrate the 10th annual International Day of Rural Women. This year’s theme is “Challenges and opportunities in climate-resilient agriculture for gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls.”

According to the United Nations, women make up 43% of the agricultural workforce worldwide, however they face great challenges compared to their male counterparts in accessing land tenure, knowledge and other agricultural inputs. This, in turn, prevents them from implementing climate-resilient practices. The UN argues, that nullifying gender discrimination among farmers “can provide a ‘triple dividend’ of gender equality, food security and climate management” (UN Website).

Today we take the time to recognize the strengths and contributions of rural women across the globe that play a crucial role in the success of their communities and the world each and every day.


To learn more about International Day of Rural Women…

Visit the United Nations website or tune in to the USDA’s Roundtable Discussion hosted by USDA Chief of Staff Heidi Green on Monday, Oct 16th, 1-2pm EST.


To find resources that exist to support rural women…

Visit Center for Rural Affairs’ REAP Women’s Business Center, MOSES Rural Women’s Project or Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative for Social and Economic Justice


To be inspired by the stories of rural women in the U.S.…

Visit The National Rural Assembly’s website or explore the archives of the Rural Women Digital Collection housed within the University of Iowa Digital Library.


To connect with other women in agriculture…

Register for the National Farmers Union Women’s Conference! This year’s event will occur January 14-18, 2018 in San Diego, California on the topic of “Women in Leadership.”