While bustling cities often take the spotlight, it's the stories of rural women, their unwavering determination, and their contributions that deserve our attention.

The 15th of October is also known as the International Day of Rural Women. This day was first celebrated in 2008, a day to acknowledge the contributions of rural women to their communities and the global economy, and to celebrate the critical role that rural women play in agriculture, food production and rural development.  

Rural women make up around 43% of the global agricultural workforce. They contribute to agriculture enterprises, whether it be as farmers or entrepreneurs, while being responsible for their households. This includes taking care of the children and the elderly. 

Women from indigenous communities are often also custodians of traditional knowledge, which is essential for their communities’ livelihood and culture. From the production of crops, to distributing foods, rural women’s labour—paid or unpaid—feeds their families, communities, and the world. Yet, somehow, they do not wield equal power to men.

Despite their crucial role in the economy and society, women and girls in rural areas continue to face the many gender-based discriminatory challenges they encounter. Here are two of the many obstacles they go through on a daily basis:

What is period poverty? Period poverty describes the inaccessibility of menstrual products and proper sanitation facilities. This also includes the lack of awareness or education about menstruation.

In rural areas, a lot of young girls do not have access to reliable and correct information regarding their reproductive health and rights, thus giving way to myths and misconceptions. Many adolescent girls believed they were dying or ill during their first period. And due to the cultural shame and shortage of resources, it has led to a lot of girls in rural areas to stop going to school as they don’t have sanitary pads, thus the blood stains their uniform and they can’t bear the shame.

Social taboo also leads to rural women cleaning reusable menstrual products under unsanitary conditions, which could increase their risk of infection, or even cervical cancer. The stigma associated with menstruation has led to poor hygiene among a large section of rural women who use leaves, newspaper and other such materials instead of sanitary pads when on their periods.

For generations, conversations about menstrual health have been obscured by a culture of silence. A first step to overcome period poverty is by breaking the silence so that young girls are able to access reliable information on menstruation in a safe manner, without feeling ashamed of it.

There exists an unsettling truth: the stark gender pay gap persists. Rural women continue to earn significantly less than their male counterparts, not because they work less, but because the work they do is not valued accordingly. 

Discriminatory norms and expectations, limited access to education and training opportunities, and lack of representation in decision-making processes all contribute to this disparity. This inequality not only deprives rural women of fair compensation for their tireless efforts, but also perpetuates a cycle of gender-based economic vulnerability. 

So, why does gender equality in rural areas matter? Well, it is well proven that educating and providing women with opportunities to take part in skilled paid employment provides benefits to their families and communities in the form of lowered fertility rates, decreased child mortality, improved child health and nutrition, and improved levels of education for children.

Empowering women as producers and entrepreneurs also enables them to safeguard the environment and natural resources while supporting sustainable growth for rural development. For example, since the successful prototyping of a solar dryer, women are processing agricultural produce into higher-value products with longer shelf life.

Rural women in Malaysia are associated with a low level of education and low participation in the workforce, and the traditional role of rural women as housewives is still pretty much apparent. However, times are changing.

The Penans, one of Borneo’s indigenous tribes, are one of the last remaining nomadic communities in Malaysia and still inhabit the rainforest. The Miri Women Weaving Association, established in 2016, takes a leading role in training Penan women in modern economic practices, and advocating for formal education for their children.

We also cannot deny the significance of entrepreneurial activity fuelled by the hard work of rural women in Malaysia, as it acts as a catalyst for economic growth while promoting gender empowerment. However, to this day, they face numerous barriers and challenges such as inadequate infrastructure and market access despite their immense potential. 

In the heart of our rural communities, the strength and resilience of women shine like beacons. These women are not only the backbone of rural economies, but also the custodians of invaluable knowledge and traditions. Therefore, as we celebrate the role of rural women, it is imperative that we continue to advocate for their rights. 

By empowering and uplifting rural women through education and access to resources, we not only strengthen the backbone of our country but also ensure a better future for all Malaysians.