Date: 14 Oct, 2026
15 October 2026
International Day of Rural Women
International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026
Rural women are essential partners in building more resilient food systems.
Finance | Opportunity | Resilience
Economically empowering rural women is an investment in the resilience of food systems.
Statement by H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi
Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development
On the Occasion of the International Day of Rural Women – 15 October 2026
H.E. Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, stated that rural women and women farmers are essential partners in building more resilient food systems and strengthening food security. He emphasized that investing in their economic capabilities is, in turn, an investment in productivity, income generation, and the long-term sustainability of rural communities.
H.E. added:
“Women play pivotal roles across all stages of agricultural and food systems, from production to value addition and trade. Yet persistent gaps in access to finance, technology, productive assets, and markets continue to limit the full realization of their potential. Expanding investment and financing opportunities for rural women and women farmers is therefore a vital part of building food systems that are more inclusive and more resilient.”
H.E. further stressed that the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development views rural women as economic partners within the food security ecosystem, rather than solely as beneficiaries of development programs. He highlighted the importance of advancing partnerships, investment solutions, and financing mechanisms that enable women to participate more fully, grow their economic activities, and capture a greater share of the value generated across food value chains.
H.E. Dr. Al Zaabi concluded:
“Economically empowering rural women not only strengthens their ability to improve their livelihoods, but also enhances the resilience of families, communities, and food systems, while supporting our collective progress toward more sustainable food security across the Arab world.”
