The 29th International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on October 15, was celebrated in Kantè, Togo, on October 28. The event, themed "Togolese Rural Women: Pillars of Sustainable Agro-Food Systems," brought together various stakeholders to recognize the vital role of rural women in agricultural production and transformation. The celebration included a sensitization session, a sketch, and the distribution of equipment to 10 mixed-gender groups and cooperatives from three communes in the prefecture.
The beneficiaries received a range of production, transformation, and marketing equipment, including eight tricycles, two threshers, and three motor pumps, along with their components. This initiative aims to support the economic empowerment of rural women and promote sustainable agricultural practices. According to the Togolese government, rural women play a crucial role in ensuring food security for households and communities. They are involved in all stages of the value chain, from production to commercialization and transformation.
Despite their significant contributions, rural women face numerous challenges, including sociocultural barriers, limited access to land, and a lack of training. To address these issues, the government, through the Ministry of Solidarity and Family, is working to recognize and value the role of rural women in agricultural production and transformation. The ministry's efforts focus on providing support and resources to enable rural women to access production means, such as land, financial credit, and technology.
Martine Moni Sankarédja-Sinandja, the Minister of Solidarity and Family, emphasized the importance of intensifying actions to support rural women. She highlighted that these women are essential for ensuring food security and that it is crucial to provide them with access to production means. The minister also stressed the need for lobbying and advocacy to promote the rights and interests of rural women.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Proo Adom, secretary of the "Bassaam" cooperative in Koutougou, expressed gratitude for the support and encouraged her fellow women to invest more in their activities to increase productivity. She emphasized the importance of collaboration with the government to achieve economic empowerment and food self-sufficiency. The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including the resident representative of UNFPA, Elise Kakam, and representatives from the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The event was also attended by Dr. Kayi Aguey-Wognon, coordinator of the CAAFR project at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Douti N'Sarma Mabiba, prefect of Kéran. The celebration demonstrated the commitment of the Togolese government and its partners to supporting rural women and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. The distribution of equipment and resources is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of rural women and their communities.
The International Day of Rural Women celebration in Kantè highlighted the critical role of rural women in Togo's agricultural sector. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges faced by rural women and to identify opportunities for support and empowerment. Key points from the celebration include the importance of providing rural women with access to production means, the need for lobbying and advocacy to promote their rights, and the role of partnerships in supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
Key points
- The Togolese government distributed equipment to 10 mixed-gender groups and cooperatives to support rural women's economic empowerment.
- Rural women in Togo face challenges such as sociocultural barriers, limited access to land, and a lack of training.
- The celebration aimed to recognize and value the role of rural women in agricultural production and transformation.
