About International Day of Rural Women
International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15 October. The UN General Assembly established it in 2007 to recognise the role of rural women in agriculture, food security and rural development, and to support their rights and well-being.
The UN General Assembly established the International Day of Rural Women in 2007, and it was first observed on 15 October 2008. It falls a day before World Food Day on 16 October, which fits the day's focus on food and farming.
Rural women grow crops, raise livestock, fetch water, run small businesses and care for families, often with less access to land, credit, training and technology than men. The day recognises this work and calls for equal rights and opportunities, so that rural women can earn fairly and have a voice in decisions.
How it is marked
UN agencies, governments and community groups hold events on women farmers, self-help groups and rural enterprise. In India, 15 October is also observed as Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas, or National Women Farmers' Day, when agricultural institutions highlight the contribution of women in farming. Schools and offices can mark the day by learning where their food comes from and honouring women in their own families who work the land.
What to write
Speak with gratitude and respect, and name the work the person does.
- To the strongest woman in our village, thank you for feeding us and teaching us the value of hard work.
- Your hands grow the food on our plates. Wishing you a good harvest this year and a little more rest.
- Thank you, Maa, for every field you tended and every lesson you shared. You are our roots.
How to wish someone on International Day of Rural Women
respect for the women who farm, feed families and hold rural communities together
Write a few lines in your own words, pick a design and share it as one link on WhatsApp, Instagram or anywhere else. They open an animated card made just for them, with no app and no sign-up.
Language tip: English, Hindi + recipient language.
Frequently asked questions
Why is International Day of Rural Women on 15 October?
The UN General Assembly set 15 October for the day. It falls just before World Food Day on 16 October, which fits its focus on the role rural women play in farming and food security.
What is Rashtriya Mahila Kisan Diwas?
It is India's National Women Farmers' Day, observed on 15 October to recognise the contribution of women to agriculture. It shares its date with the International Day of Rural Women.
How can students and offices mark the day?
They can learn about women farmers and self-help groups in their region, buy from women-led rural enterprises, or invite a woman farmer or entrepreneur to share her experience.
When is International Day of Rural Women in 2026?
International Day of Rural Women 2026 falls on Thursday, 15 October 2026.
What is International Day of Rural Women?
International Day of Rural Women is observed on 15 October. The UN General Assembly established it in 2007 to recognise the role of rural women in agriculture, food security and rural development, and to support their rights and well-being.
Is International Day of Rural Women a public holiday?
Holiday status for International Day of Rural Women varies by state, employer and community in India, so check your local holiday list.
How do I wish someone on International Day of Rural Women?
Focus on respect for the women who farm, feed families and hold rural communities together. On Kehdoo you can write a short message, pick a design and share a free animated International Day of Rural Women card as a single link, with no app or sign-up needed.
Sources
Last verified by the Kehdoo team on .