According to the World Bank, rural women comprise 43 per cent of the agricultural labour force that produces, processes and prepares much of the food available in the world. In recognition of the contribution of these women, the UN celebrates the International Day for Rural Women on October 15.

   This day recognizes the role of rural women, including indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating poverty. With temperatures rising, weather patterns changing and climate-related disasters becoming more frequent, food security has become a major challenge across the world, and especially in India. As key players in the country’s agriculture sector and those in charge of ensuring adequate nutrition for families, rural women are at the centre of this challenge.

   A FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) report says that if women were given equal access to resources as....