October 15th marked the International Day of Rural Women, and the Maltaaba Women Peasant Farmers Co-operative observed the day by visiting one of their thriving tree and vegetable plantations at Yamriga in the Talensi district.

This group of over 1,000 women from the Talensi and Nabdam districts of the Upper East Region is responding to the changing trend of agriculture by redefining the role of rural women in Ghana.

Supported by the Forest and Farm Facility of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), the co-operative is dedicated to growing economic trees, improving vegetative cover, and contributing to food security.

Through women-inclusive business advocacy and entrepreneurial skills development, these women are cultivating sustainable income streams and climate-resilient landscapes.

As they tended to their plantation on the International Day of Rural Women, the Maltaaba Women Peasant Farmers Co-operative emphasised the importance of policies supporting rural women’s rights, education, training, and access to information and technology.

“Recent data from the Statistical Service reveals that 1.5 million females in rural areas are engaged in vulnerable employment. Despite these challenges, rural women are the cornerstone of our food systems, economies, and societies,” said Lydia Miyela, Executive Director of the Maltaaba Women Peasant Farmers Co-operative, who read a statement on behalf of the group.

This year’s theme, “Rural Women Cultivating Food for All,” resonates deeply with the Maltaaba Women Peasant Farmers Co-operative.

Their efforts demonstrate the critical role rural women play in feeding their communities and driving economic growth.

Presenting their statement further, Lydia Miyela added, “We firmly believe in the importance of empowering rural women, as it ensures food security, environmental sustainability, equitable opportunities, and resilient communities.”

“Through our initiatives, we have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of empowering rural women. We have observed women achieving success through collaborative efforts, entrepreneurs gaining access to markets and financial support, communities becoming more resilient to climate change, and women assuming leadership roles in their communities.”

The women finally called on the government and other stakeholders to formulate policies that “uphold the rights of rural women, provide education and training, ensure access to information and technology for all, and foster collaboration with other stakeholders.”

“To all the rural women,” they said, “Your voices are significant, and your contributions are invaluable. Empowering you remains our top priority.”