Her Power, Her Stories report highlights China's role in empowering rural women

A report on women's power and practices in rural vitalization empowered by science and technology was released at an international forum held in Beijing recently, highlighting women's innovation and entrepreneurship in tech-driven agriculture.

The report titled, Her Power, Her Stories, was unveiled at the 2024 International Forum on Sci-Tech Empowering Rural Transformation last week.

The forum was hosted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Representation in China, the International Fund for Agricultural Development China Office, the Centre for Sustainable Agricultural Mechanization of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific, and the United Nations Development Programme in China.

It focused on women's empowerment, contributions and current challenges regarding the application of science and technology to agriculture.

"The 2030 Agenda cannot be fully realized without the active and equal participation of women in all aspects of society," said Siddharth Chatterjee, UN resident coordinator in China, in a video message during the opening ceremony.

"China's progress in rural digital infrastructure, gender-friendly agricultural innovations, improving women's working conditions in rural areas, and increasing female farmers' scientific and digital literacy offers a valuable insight for other developing countries," he said.

Zeng Liying, former deputy director of the National Food and Strategic Reserves Administration, said currently, around 250 million women aged 16 to 70 are engaged in production and business activities in China's rural areas.

"They play an active role in decision-making and managing village affairs while helping to drive the growth of rural tourism, services and local industries," Zeng said.

Han Yan, assistant representative of FAO Representation in China, said women are a vital force in agricultural and rural development, but still face barriers and challenges with unequal access to resources, services, decent employment and markets.

"China's innovative efforts in leveraging agricultural science and technology to empower women have made significant contributions to achieving global goals, including poverty eradication and hunger elimination," Han said.

The report, Her Power, Her Stories, indicates that China has created an effective institutional environment that facilitates women's active participation in agricultural development.

Robert Walker, a professor of Beijing Normal University, said the report introduced 17 case studies of women who have embraced new technologies to realize their dreams in creating sustainable agriculture enterprises. "Their success reminds us that traditional attitudes and power structures still inhibit the technological advancement of millions of women worldwide," he said.