On International Rural Women’s Day, groups stand with female farmers worldwide who are defending their land, rights, and dignity. These women face increasing challenges in a global food system that many see as unfair and male-dominated.

A recent statement from women’s groups in Asia, Latin America, and Africa calls for major changes. They want food systems that respect women farmers’ rights to land and water, promote community-led farming methods, and ensure everyone has enough healthy, culturally-appropriate food.

Rural women play crucial roles in farming communities. They save seeds, work the land, lead families, and protect local plants and animals. However, they often suffer the most from problems like hunger, debt, losing land, and violence. When fighting for their rights, they risk facing harm from government forces, wealthy landowners, and big companies.

A recent report shows that from January to September 2021, seven women were killed, 16 jailed, and five threatened or attacked in land disputes across several countries. The Philippines and Cambodia are noted as particularly dangerous places for women land rights activists.

In the Philippines, 44 female farmers have reportedly been killed under the current government. Sixty-five more have been jailed on questionable charges, including some pregnant and nursing mothers. In Cambodia, three women were arrested for opposing a construction project and reporting on river pollution.

Despite these dangers, rural women continue to work hard. They’re not just growing food but also trying to change farming systems. They organize communities, challenge unfair laws, campaign against large single-crop farms, and promote environmentally-friendly farming methods.

The article ends with a call for all groups to support these women farmers, stating that protecting them means protecting the future of our food systems.