Minister Michelle Gildernew MP MLA has recognised the contribution women make to the economy, community and rural life on World Rural Women’s Day. World Rural Women’s Day provides recognition and support for the multiple roles of rural women who make up more than a quarter of the world population. From the school run to calving, from running a farm based business to looking after family members, women are increasingly at the centre of life in rural areas. The Minister said: “The vital contribution that rural women make to society can often go unnoticed. World Rural Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to stop and think about the crucial role that women play in rural life. It allows us to recognise and to show our support for the multiple roles played by rural women, as family members and as farmers and entrepreneurs. “Many women are also primary carers of young children and our ageing population also brings further pressures as they become carers of elderly relatives. These are vital support roles for rural families and are all the more important because of the lack of facilities and services in rural communities.” Last year the Minister took the first step towards more accessible childcare for rural families by commissioning a Rural Childcare Stakeholders’ Group to take a fresh look at the question of childcare in rural areas. The group presented the Minister with a report in April 2008 that identifies the main factors that affect access to childcare in rural areas and makes recommendations on how current and future provision can be improved.

 
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15 October 2008
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