Support Rural Women

Grinding argan nuts for their oil with a Berber tribeswoman in Morocco.

The plight of the rural woman by the UN for International Women’s Day:

“Rural women make up over a quarter of the world population and majority of the 43% of women in the global agricultural labour force.

“They till the lands and plant seeds to feed nations, ensure food security for their communities and build climate resilience.

“Yet, on almost every measure of development, because of deep seated gender inequalities and discrimination, rural women fare worse than rural men or urban women.

“For instance, less than 20% of landholders worldwide are women, and while the global pay gap between men and women stands at 23%, in rural areas, it can be as high as 40%.

“They lack infrastructure and services, decent work and social protection, and are left more vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

“Rural women and their organizations represent an enormous potential, and they are on the move to claim their rights and improve their livelihoods and wellbeing.

“They are using innovative agricultural methods, setting up successful businesses and acquiring new skills, pursuing their legal entitlements and running for office.” (UN.org)

My company is proud to support rural indigenous women in Peru (Quechua), Morocco (Berber), the Sinai Peninsular (Bedouin) and New Mexico (Native American) through the fairtrade, ethical sale of their art and crafts.

As retailers and consumers, we have the ability to empower rural women through our business and purchasing decisions.

#PressforProgress #InternationalWomensDay2018