The global food system contributes nearly 30% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the Lancet Commission report to the UN. This same system not only accelerates climate change but also fuels chronic illnesses affecting vulnerable communities. For Rural Women Assembly (RWA) South Africa, these challenges highlight the urgent need for agroecology, climate justice, strong women-led movements, and community organizing across the country.
During this period, RWA South Africa intensified it’s campaigns by integrating it’s core thematic areas—UNDROP, One Woman One Hectare (1W1H), Climate Change and Gender-Based Violence (GBV); into capacity-building, awareness and mobilisation programmes in various provinces.
Agroecology and Climate Justice Work
RWA continued to promote agroecology as a just alternative to the harmful industrial food system. In Limpopo, three successful workshops were conducted in Xitlakati, Makhuba and N’wamankena villages, capacitating 135 women and 15 men on agroecology, climate change, land rights and women’s autonomy. Many participants linked current climate impacts to food insecurity and the exploitation of rural communities. Out of the workshops, 68 women joined RWA as new members, demonstrating growing interest in sustainable farming and grassroots organising.
Similarly, in the Free State, RWA conducted practical agroecology training, where eight members received protective clothing and gardening equipment to support their food production initiatives. These interventions ensure that rural women can build food sovereignty, protect their health and contribute to reducing emissions through ecological farming practices.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
In solidarity with the global 16 Days of Activism, RWA South Africa organised a series of community programmes to raise awareness about gender-based violence, document women’s experiences and support survivors.
A major GBV Provincial Awareness event brought together RWA Free State members, in collaboration with women’s organisations across the province. The gathering strengthened collective action against violence affecting women and children.
In the Eastern Cape, RWA hosted a 16 Days campaign in Uitenhage, which gathered 53 participants. Through a mystica; using symbolic elements like seeds, soil, stones and water. The meeting honoured diverse cultures and grounded discussions in shared struggles. Women openly reflected on the link between poverty, hunger and increased vulnerability to GBV, highlighting how socio-economic pressures deepen the burden of violence.
Strengthening Women’s Movements and Youth Engagement
Across all regions, RWA used it’s programmes to recruit and empower new members, strengthen solidarity networks and deepen political education. The organisation continues to stress that agroecology, land rights and gender justice cannot be separated; they are fundamental to transforming rural women’s lives.
Through integrated campaigns on climate change, land rights, GBV prevention and agroecology, RWA South Africa continues to build a strong, united movement of rural women. By sharing skills, telling their stories, supporting survivors and advancing sustainable food systems, rural women are taking the lead in shaping a more just and equitable future for their communities.
