On October 15, 2024, Humanity Touch joined the global community in commemorating the International Day of Rural Women under the theme “Rural Women Sustaining Nature for Our Collective Future: Building climate resilience, conserving biodiversity, and caring for land towards gender equality and empowerment”. This year’s theme honored the vital role rural women play as custodians of natural resources, stewards of biodiversity, and frontline leaders in climate resilience. For Humanity Touch, the day was a powerful affirmation of its mission to empower women and girls through gender justice, eco-inclusive livelihoods, and transformative leadership.
In Adjumani and surrounding districts, Humanity Touch marked the occasion with community-led dialogues, agroecology exhibitions, and storytelling forums that celebrated the knowledge, innovation, and resilience of rural women. Women from host and refugee communities shared how they are adapting to climate change, restoring degraded land, and leading sustainable farming initiatives—many of which have been supported through Humanity Touch’s programming. These stories reflected not only environmental stewardship but also the deep connection between land, dignity, and gender equality.
The theme’s emphasis on climate resilience and biodiversity conservation aligned seamlessly with Humanity Touch’s strategic focus on Eco-Inclusive Livelihoods & Resilience Building. Through initiatives like the Mobile Agricultural Training Van Project, the organization delivers hands-on training in climate-smart agriculture, solar-powered food processing, and sustainable land management directly to rural sub-counties. These trainings equip women with practical skills to improve yields, reduce environmental degradation, and build income-generating enterprises rooted in ecological sustainability.
Additionally, the day’s activities reinforced Humanity Touch’s commitment to Gender Justice & Feminist Leadership. By centering rural women as agents of change—not just beneficiaries—the organization continues to challenge harmful gender norms and promote inclusive decision-making. Women trained through Humanity Touch’s Feminist Leadership Academy are now leading community conservation efforts, facilitating GBV prevention dialogues, and advocating for equitable access to land, water, and agricultural inputs.
The celebration also served as a platform for policy engagement and advocacy. Humanity Touch convened local leaders, civil society actors, and service providers to discuss strategies for integrating gender-responsive climate action into district development plans. The organization emphasized the need for increased investment in women-led environmental initiatives, inclusive land governance, and access to green technologies.
As the world grapples with the dual crises of climate change and inequality, the 2024 International Day of Rural Women was a timely reminder that sustainable development cannot be achieved without the leadership and inclusion of rural women. Humanity Touch remains steadfast in its commitment to building a just, peaceful, and resilient society—where women and girls are empowered to protect the planet, shape policy, and thrive with dignity.
