International Day of Rural Women 2025: Celebrating Resilience at the Heart of Humanitarian Action in Uvira
Every year, on October 15th, the world celebrates the International Day of Rural Women, a crucial moment to recognise the vital impact of women in rural areas. In 2025, as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (Beijing+30), the focus is on empowering rural women to build a resilient future.
In the often-fragile context of Uvira, marked by persistent humanitarian challenges, civil society organisations—including CA asbl—in partnership with the Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Children, and all stakeholders, were committed to marking this day in Katongo, Kalungwe Chiefdom. This event highlighted the essential role of women farmers and rural household heads.
National Theme (Adapted): "Rural Women: Pillars of Food Security and Agents of Resilience in the Face of Crises." This theme underscores the dual contribution of women who, despite insecurity and displacement, continue to feed their communities, including internally displaced populations, and maintain the social fabric.
* Local Theme: Ulinzi wa Mwanamke Vijijini" (Protection of Rural Women): More than ever, the protection of rural women is a humanitarian imperative. In rural and conflict-affected areas, these women face an increased risk of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), particularly sexual violence committed covertly, often linked to their search for vital resources (water, wood, fields) or to general insecurity.
Celebrating Strength and Calling for Action:
We celebrate the resilience and courage of the rural women of Uvira, true "nourishers of all," whose labour allows cities and displacement camps to subsist.
However, this recognition must translate into concrete and urgent action. The Provincial Division of Gender, Family, and Children and all humanitarian actors are called upon to guarantee the comprehensive protection of these women.
