30 June 2022–The Asian Partnership for the Development of Human Resources in Rural Areas (AsiaDHRRA) organized the second session in its series of thematic learning sessions live via Zoom on 30 June 2022. The second session, with a theme, “Amplifying Rural Women’s Voices in Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Transformation,” was participated by national and regional members and partners, consultants, and rural and women leaders of farmers’ organizations. The objective of the learning session is to gain a deeper understanding of current issues affecting rural women in agriculture in the region and identify workable strategies and initiatives to create possible partnerships and cooperation.
The event also aims to share the results of AsiaDHRRA’s two regional gender mainstreaming studies: The gender-Responsive Rural Development and Poverty Eradication (RDPE) master plan and the RAI Regional Gender Scoping Report in the ASEAN. The research was presented by AsiaDHRRA’s consultant Ms. Lucita Samonte-Lazo. A success story of Jaringan Perempuan Pedesaan Nusantara (JPPN), a rural women’s initiative from Indonesia, was conferred by its Chairperson, Ms. Irma Daeng So’na. Ms. Luchie Almagro-Blanco introduced the network’s draft strategy paper on rural women as part of the commitment identified in the Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025 (SAP). Lastly, the event highlighted a brief video presentation from the Asian Farmers’ Association (AFA) on the Forgotten Foods Cooking Contest for Women Farmers.
The opening message was delivered by Ibu Dwi Astuti, one of AsiaDHRRA’s Council of Leaders and Bina Desa’s Executive Director. She emphasized strategies addressing gender gaps in the region should be dealt with soon by amplifying rural women in agricultural development. Moreover, significant challenges for rural women were identified among the participants, along with suggested actions for AsiaDHRRA and its partners should prioritize in the network.
