Originally published on October 15.

They are farmers and farm workers, horticulturists and market sellers, business women and community leaders. Rural women are the backbone of sustainable livelihoods and provide food security for their families and communities,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in his message marking the International Day of Rural Women.

Rural women are critical to the success of almost all the 17 SDGs.

Mr. Ban also noted that the International Day falls just after the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development last month. He urged the global leaders to seize the opportunity offered by the new framework to transform rural women’s lives.