International Day of Rural Women: Rural Women Farmers Feeding Mother Nature

PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 15 October 2026

International Day of Rural Women: Rural Women Farmers Feeding Mother Nature

On this International Day of Rural Women, celebrated under the theme “Rural Women Farmers Feeding Mother Nature,” Development Through Media (DTM) recognises rural women as essential contributors to food security, biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.

Across Kenya, rural women nurture farms, conserve indigenous seeds, protect natural resources and sustain livelihoods. Yet many continue to face barriers to land ownership, agricultural finance, technology and markets, while bearing the growing burden of climate change.

Empowering rural women farmers is therefore not just a matter of gender equality; it is an investment in sustainable food systems, healthy ecosystems and resilient communities.

DTM calls upon national and county governments, development partners and financial institutions to strengthen women’s land rights, expand access to agricultural resources, promote climate-smart farming and support women-led environmental conservation initiatives.

We also urge the media to amplify rural women’s voices, showcase their innovations and hold duty-bearers accountable for commitments to inclusive rural development.

When we empower rural women farmers, we nourish both humanity and nature. Their knowledge, labour and leadership must be recognised, protected and adequately supported.

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Signed:

Ms Dommie Yambo-Odotte,
Executive Director and Producer
Development Through Media (DTM)
“Empowering Communities Through Information, Participation, and Social Transformation.”

For Media Inquiries contact:
Communications Desk
Email: info[at]dtmafrica.com
Websites: https://www.dtmafrica.com; https://radiobaraza.org

About DTM
Development Through Media (DTM) is a pioneer media-based, not-for-profit Civil Society Organisation (M-CSO) in Kenya, dedicated to harnessing the power of media and communication for inclusive and transformative development. Through partnerships, capacity building, content creation, dissemination and advocacy, DTM empowers citizens—including youth and marginalised communities in the rural and urban areas—to actively participate in shaping the social, economic, and political decisions that affect their lives.