The Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers’ Cooperative in the Talensi District of Ghana’s Upper East Region came alive with vibrant celebrations as they observed International Rural Women’s Day. Apexnewsgh reports
Rural women from various communities gathered in Yamiriga for a float, proudly holding placards that highlighted their contributions and the challenges they face.
Amidst the festivities, Miyella Lydia, the Executive Director of the cooperative, delivered a powerful speech, emphasizing the pivotal role rural women play in their families, communities, and nations. She expressed, “International Rural Women’s Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the dedication and perseverance of these extraordinary women.”
During her speech, Lydia shed light on the challenges faced by rural women, such as limited resources and social barriers. She mentioned that according to data from the Statistical Service, 1.5 million rural women are engaged in vulnerable employment.
Despite these obstacles, rural women are the backbone of food systems, economies, and societies, possessing invaluable knowledge and driving innovation.
The theme of this year’s celebration, “Rural Women Cultivating Good Food for All,” deeply resonated with the cooperative. Lydia stressed the importance of empowering rural women for food security, environmental sustainability, and equitable opportunities.
Through their initiatives, the Maaltaaba Peasant Women Farmers’ Cooperative has witnessed rural women achieving success through collaboration, entrepreneurship, and leadership.
However, Lydia highlighted the need for more advocacy for policies upholding rural women’s rights, providing education and training, and ensuring access to information and technology.
Addressing the rural women, Lydia emphasized, “Your voices are significant, and your contributions are invaluable. Empowering you remains our top priority.”
She also urged partners and stakeholders to join in solidarity and collective action toward a more just world for all. “International Rural Women’s Day is not merely a celebration; it is a call to action. Let us commit to empowering rural women, improving our communities, and building a brighter future for everyone.”
The Yameriga Assembly member praised the rural women. He said, the cooperative, consisting of 1,250 women including widows, single mothers, and farmers with disabilities, has brought about significant positive changes through their farming activities.
Their impact is felt not only within their own community but also in neighboring areas, where people visit to learn from their innovative initiatives. The cooperative has focused on establishing fruit trees and diverse crops, which not only support the women themselves but also serve as a model for others to follow. They have also been farming vegetables for both community consumption and personal use, showcasing their resourcefulness and dedication to sustainable agriculture.
These women have not only improved their own productivity and household incomes but have also broken social barriers and achieved economic stability through training and advocacy. Their efforts have been widely praised, with the Yamriga Electoral Area Assembly Member commending their work and expressing gratitude to organizations like FFF, FAO, and Star-Ghana for their support.
One of the most impressive aspects of their work is their creation of their own manure to fertilize their farms, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable and self-sufficient farming practices. The Maaltaaba Cooperative serves as an inspiring example of how collective action and dedication can bring about tangible and positive change in rural communities.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
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