The #RealGroundbreakers is a global campaign for the economic and social empowerment of rural women and girls, initiated by the International Fund for Agricultural Development.

The advocacy initiative is based on the recognition that women make up 43 per cent of women in the global agricultural labour force and with greater investment have the potential to eradicate poverty and feed millions of more people.

Every day rural women farm and produce food in some of the world’s most challenging conditions. They’re business starters and community leaders, innovators and change makers. They have dreams for themselves, their families and their communities.

But they face enormous challenges, including a changing climate, food and water insecurity, isolation from roads and markets, conflicts and violence. They have fewer rights to the land they work and less access to the financing and inputs they need to farm more successfully, and diversify their livelihoods. And women are too often overlooked or silenced in the decisions that affect their lives. Together with partners, our aim is to generate greater awareness, resources and support for rural women and girls.

Visit the Real Groundbreakers website 

IFAD launches global campaign to close gender gap in agriculture and amplify the voices of rural women

‘Still I Rise’ — UN agency launches film tribute to rural women and girls featuring Maya Angelou

Read more on IFAD and gender