Statement from the Executive Director of West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) on International Day of Rural Women, 15 October 2024
As we commemorate the International Day of Rural Women, we at the West Africa ICT Action Network (WAICTANet) recognize the indispensable contributions of rural women as custodians of food security, biodiversity, and community health. This year’s theme, “Empowering Rural Women for a Sustainable Future,” resonates deeply with our mission to uplift rural women across West Africa by equipping them with the digital and financial tools they need to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving world.
Rural women, who make up 22% of the global population, are the backbone of their communities, ensuring food production, care, and natural resource management. Yet, they face immense challenges, from poverty to limited access to essential services, education, and economic opportunities. The digital divide further widens these disparities. At WAICTANet, we believe that bridging this divide is crucial to achieving true gender equality and sustainable development.
Our organization is committed to aligning its efforts with the urgent need to empower rural women through ICT and digital literacy. We have seen first-hand the transformative power of these skills in helping women not only generate income but also take control of their futures. By offering training in ICT, digital entrepreneurship, and financial literacy, we are enabling rural women to connect to wider markets, access financial services, and participate in the digital economy.
Peterking Quaye, our Regional Director, emphasizes, “Empowering rural women with digital and financial skills is not just a moral imperative—it is a necessary step towards achieving sustainable development in our sub-region. We need to ensure that no woman is left behind as the world transitions to a more digitally driven future.”
In collaboration with local and international partners, WAICTANet remains steadfast in driving impactful projects that elevate rural women, offering training and resources to enhance their socio-economic prospects. From digital skills workshops to initiatives supporting financial inclusion, we are helping to build climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and foster economic independence among the women we serve.
As we look to the future, we call on donors, partners, and stakeholders to join us in expanding these efforts. Together, we can harness the power of technology to transform the lives of rural women, creating a more equitable and sustainable future for all.
On this International Day of Rural Women, let us celebrate their strength, resilience, and invaluable role in building stronger, more sustainable communities.
