| As rural women from Southern Africa, we gather from diverse backgrounds, bound by our shared experiences and aspirations, and united in our recognition of the pivotal role of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants and Other People Working in Rural Areas (UNDROP). On International Day of Peasant Struggles, we stand together not only to commemorate our struggles but to reinforce the call for the realisation of our fundamental rights. |
| UNDROP is more than just a declaration; it is a vital instrument in our fight for the rights to seeds, land, food, and food sovereignty—principles that are at the very heart of the Rural Women’s Assembly’s (RWA) struggle. It acknowledges our rights to land and seeds, essential components of our livelihood and identity, and champions our right to participate in decisions that shape our lives. These rights are non-negotiable as they are intertwined with our very existence and the future of our communities. In a region ravaged by the dual crises of climate change and economic inequality, UNDROP is a solution amidst the chaos. It empowers us to reclaim control over our lives and gives back dignity, to cultivate resilient communities that defy the ravages of drought, floods, and corporate plunder. It calls upon us to reject the false promises of industrial agriculture and embrace agroecology, a model of farming that nurtures the land and nourishes our bodies without poisoning our rivers or enslaving our souls. On this significant day, RWA calls for the immediate implementation of UNDROP at both national and regional levels, ensuring that these rights are not just recognized on paper but are actively upheld and protected. We welcome the establishment of the UN Working Group on UNDROP, yet we emphasize the need for clarity on their mandate and the monitoring systems they will implement to ensure UNDROP’s principles are enforced. This vigilance is crucial to ensure that the promises of UNDROP translate into tangible changes in the lives of rural women, allowing us to reclaim our dignity, assert our sovereignty over our lands, and build resilient communities in the face of global challenges. |
| Our International Day of Peasant Struggles Commemorations |
 Our 10 country chapters actively mobilized, organizing meetings, marches, and campaigns to raise awareness about peasant rights and advocate for the adoption of UNDROP. Sisters from across our network came together to amplify the voices of rural women and highlight the ongoing struggles faced by peasants. Through our collective efforts, we aim to empower rural communities and advance the recognition of their rights on the national and regional stage. We also released a media statement in commemoration of the day.Read More……….. |
