The powerhouses of the village: Honouring Ghana’s rural women on International Rural Women’s Day

Every year, on October 15, the world takes a moment to acknowledge the essential role played by rural women. This day, known as International Rural Women’s Day, is not just a celebration; it serves as a rallying cry for the recognition and support of the invaluable contributions made by rural women. In Ghana, particularly in the village of Fiaso located in the Bono East Region, this message resonates particularly loudly.

The history of rural women in Ghana is one of accumulated knowledge and experience. These women are the custodians of centuries-old traditional wisdom, passed down through generations. Their expertise encompasses a wide range of skills, from selecting the best crop varieties and seeds to predicting weather patterns, midwifery, weaving, cooking, and traditional medicine. This is not mere labor; it requires a sophisticated understanding of the natural world that has been honed over generations.

Despite this deep well of knowledge, rural women's contributions are often undervalued. Traditional knowledge practices are frequently dismissed as inferior in mainstream discussions, especially when it comes to decisions regarding agriculture, land use, and food systems. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, rural women farmers globally continue to encounter barriers in accessing essential resources such as land, financial support, technology, education, and extension services.

If rural women were granted equal access to these resources as their male counterparts, it could significantly boost agricultural production and help alleviate hunger by reducing the number of hungry individuals by 100-150 million.

In response to this global issue, members of the Abrono Organic Farming Project (ABOFAP) and the Rural Women Farmers Association of Ghana (RUFAG) are taking a proactive stance. On this International Rural Women’s Day, they are marching through the streets of Fiaso in the Techiman Municipality of the Bono East Region. This demonstration is not just a call for recognition but a powerful statement about the vital role rural women play in Ghana’s rural communities and the urgent need for equal access to resources and opportunities.