The International Day of Rural Women, marked on 15 October, honours the contribution of women in rural areas and advances their rights, economic empowerment, environmental leadership and fair access to resources. The 2026 theme is "Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature." The day highlights their work in conserving seeds, protecting biodiversity, managing water and restoring land, and seeks equal access for them to land, water, finance, markets, technology, farm services and social protection. As 2026 is also the International Year of the Woman Farmer, the occasion offers a chance to strengthen rural women's rights and leadership.