Women are responsible for preserving the traditional knowledge and practices that support agri-food systems, the official pointed out, lamenting that women still face "numerous challenges", especially with regard to education.
"Despite their significant contributions, women, particularly those living in rural areas, often face numerous challenges, including limited access to education, technology and resources," she said, cited by Angop.
For the commissioner, these challenges are also worsened due to natural disasters, such as climate change, disease outbreaks and limited access to schools, disproportionately affecting this group.
Thus, she considered that education "is a powerful instrument of empowerment": "Education is a powerful instrument of empowerment. By providing rural women with access to quality education, we can equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve their livelihoods and contribute effectively to their communities".
On this year's theme of the event – "Empowering women living in rural areas through education and access to technology: Bridging the gap to inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems in Africa" – Josefa Sacko said it represents collective commitment to promote an enabling environment for the advancement of women living in rural areas, as well as for them to become agents of transformation, in line with the African Union's general theme for this year - "Educating an African fit for the 21st century", which highlights the importance of developing resilient educational systems to ensure increased access to inclusive education.
According to her, there is a need to combat the gap towards inclusive and sustainable agri-food systems, with a view to overcoming the barriers that make it impossible for rural women to fully participate and enjoy these systems.
In this sense, it considered that there is a need for specific policies and initiatives that encourage gender equality, support women's access to land and financial services, as well as offering training in sustainable agricultural techniques, writes Angop.
Therefore, she considered that although the path is challenging, the resilience and determination of African women in rural areas are sources of hope and optimism.
"With the right policies, investments and partnerships we can unlock their potential and create an Africa where rural women not only thrive, but lead the transformation to sustainable, inclusive and resilient agri-food systems," she said, also recalling that the African Union commission is committed to training women in rural areas through education and access to technology, and will continue to collaborate with Member States, development partners and organizations to put into practice projects that promote the empowerment of rural women, writes Angop.
