The African Union Commission (AUC) hosted the 2025 International Day of Rural Women (IDRW) celebrations in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 14–15 October 2025, highlighting the role of rural women in shaping sustainable agricultural systems across Africa.
This year’s event, themed “Empowering Rural Women for Reparatory Justice: Advancing Inclusive and Sustainable Agri-Food Systems in Africa,” aims to recognise and advance the contributions of women living in rural areas while promoting reparatory justice and gender-responsive agricultural transformation.
Organised through the AUC’s Rural Development Division, within the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (DARBE), the two-day programme includes high-level sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, and exhibitions. The initiative is being held in collaboration with other AU departments and partner organisations.
The first day, 14 October, featured a Knowledge-Sharing and Lessons-Learned Workshop, bringing together policymakers, experts, and rural women leaders to discuss best practices in empowerment and innovation. The main celebration on 15 October will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, testimonies, and exhibitions, providing a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas.
According to the AUC, the 2025 event seeks to:
- Celebrate and promote reparatory justice interventions that empower rural women;
- Highlight success stories in education, technology, and mechanisation within agriculture;
- Strengthen partnerships and advocacy for more inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems across the continent.
The discussions and outcomes from the gathering will be consolidated into an IDRW 2025 Outcome Statement, reaffirming Africa’s commitment to gender equity and inclusive agricultural development.
Participants will include representatives from AU Member States, government bodies, civil society organisations, the diaspora, development partners, and private sector actors. High-level dignitaries such as Ministers of Gender and Agriculture, AU Commissioners, and other senior officials are also expected to attend.
The International Day of Rural Women, established by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/136 in 2007, is celebrated globally on 15 October each year to acknowledge the vital role of rural women in agriculture, food security, and sustainable development.
Aligned with the African Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations”, this year’s commemoration places a special focus on advancing reparatory justice as a key driver for empowering rural women and strengthening Africa’s agri-food systems.
