Senator Ireti Kingibe Gives 50 Women Business Equipment Through 2024 Empowerment Project for International Day of Rural Women

Senator Ireti Kingibe, who represents the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has highlighted the economic challenges facing rural women and called for better access to land, credit, agricultural resources and business opportunities as the world marked International Day of Rural Women on Thursday, October 15. In a tweet posted on her Twitter account, Senator Ireti said rural women deserved more than public recognition for their contributions to agriculture, food production and their communities.

“Rural women deserve more than recognition. They deserve opportunities, resources, and the support to thrive”

She noted that many rural women continue to face barriers to finance, land ownership, modern farming equipment, education and economic opportunities, despite their contributions to food security and community development. She also mentioned her Household Empowerment Project, which she said she launched in 2024 to support women’s economic independence. According to her, 50 women received business support packages containing 200-litre deep freezers, 8kVA generators, industrial ovens, grilling machines and mini-industrial grinding machines, and said the initiative was intended to help the beneficiaries establish small businesses, earn sustainable incomes and support their families.

“When a woman is equipped with the right tools and opportunities, she can transform her household, uplift her community, and contribute meaningfully to the development of our society”

 The United Nations reports that women make up close to 40 per cent of the global agricultural labour force, yet own only about 15 per cent of agricultural land. Women in rural areas also face disadvantages in accessing credit, agricultural inputs, markets and other resources needed to grow their livelihoods.

This year’s International Day of Rural Women was observed under the theme “Rural Women Farmers Caring for Mother Nature,” recognising women’s contributions to food production and environmental protection.

In her tweet,she also called for practical measures to improve rural women’s access to agricultural resources, credit and training, support women-owned businesses and protect their land rights and paid tribute to rural women across the FCT and Nigeria, whose work sustains households and communities, while urging continued efforts to give them the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. The International Day of Rural Women is observed annually on October 15. Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007, and it recognises rural women’s contributions to agricultural and rural development, food security and the fight against rural poverty.