On International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate the incredible achievements and resilience of women living in rural areas across the globe. These women often face unique challenges and obstacles in their daily lives, yet continue to play vital roles in their communities. The Somali Women and Child Care Association (SWCCA) is a formal organization that has been dedicated to improving the lives of women and children in Somalia since its establishment in 2012. We empower women through education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, with a focus on rural and urban areas where women often face additional barriers.

In many rural communities, women are burdened with the responsibility of taking care of their children while also engaging in agricultural and other household work. This double duty often limits their ability to fully participate in income-generating activities or access education and healthcare. SWCCA recognizes this challenge and works to provide accessible and affordable support to children and women.

SWCCA establishes centers that offer a safe and stimulating environment for children and women, promoting early childhood development, and enabling both women and children to fully participate in their communities’ social and economic development.

Recognizing that illiteracy and limited access to education are significant barriers for women in rural areas, SWCCA offers literacy and skills training programs. These initiatives empower women with knowledge and tools to enhance their livelihoods and improve their overall well-being. By equipping women with literacy and numeracy skills, SWCCA enables them to actively participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives and communities.

SWCCA also supports women through various economic empowerment initiatives. Through vocational training and the provision of microcredit loans, SWCCA enables women to start their own businesses and generate income. These initiatives not only contribute to poverty reduction but create a sense of agency and empowerment for rural women. By providing them with the means to become economically self-sufficient, SWCCA helps break the cycle of poverty and dependence on external aid.

The efforts of SWCCA on International Day of Rural Women must be commended. SWCCA’s formal and systematic approach ensures that its initiatives are sustainable and inclusive, reaching women even in the most remote areas of Somalia. By focusing on childcare, education, and economic empowerment, SWCCA recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by rural women.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that the work of SWCCA is just a small part of the solution. The empowerment and well-being of rural women require comprehensive efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and the international community. Stronger policies promoting women’s rights, increased investments in education and healthcare, and gender-sensitive legislation are among the measures necessary to ensure a brighter future for rural women.

On this International Day of Rural Women, SWCCA’s message is that together, we can build a more inclusive and equitable society where all women, regardless of their geographical location, have the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.