Women in the North were delighted as they raised their concern face to face with the Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, Rosy Akbar, during the International Rural Women’s Day at the Labasa Civic Centre yesterday.

Ms Akbar said she was happy to officiate the celebration.

She took time to meet, talk and discuss problems affecting women in the North.

“With the theme ‘Empowering Rural Women to be Agents of Change’, I think it is convenient and this is successful with the support of other stakeholders,” Ms Akbar said.

“Despite the major role played by rural women in producing food, little attention has been given to them in terms of access to land, credit, health care and training,” she said.

Ms Akbar said collaboration between stakeholders would contribute to the enhancement of respect among women and men in the household.

This could lead to better agricultural output and equal food distribution.

“Today is a day that signifies the critical role and contribution of rural women including indigenous women, in improving agricultural and rural development, improving food security and eradicating rural poverty,” she said.

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