Rural women make up over a quarter of the total world population. In developing countries, rural women represent approximately 43 per cent of the agricultural labor force. Roughly forty percent of the world’s population lives in drylands, making dryland rural women farmers fundamental for the eradication of poverty, food security, and sustainable development. The International Day of Rural women on the 15th of October give an opportunity to celebrate, support, and empower rural women farmers, including indigenous women.

Here at the CGIAR Research Program on Dryland Systems, we know a picture is worth a thousand words. For the next month we are holding a photo contest open to all qualitied candidates celebrating women farmers in drylands! Our campaign will focus on the work of rural farmers on the field and their immense contribution to their communities.

We aim to find pictures that communicate powerfully, the way women farmers do in their everyday work. Images should inspire action by showing the importance of women farmers in drylands. Moreover, we want images to communicate hope, optimism, and the many opportunities for success that await women farmers. Candidates over the age of thirteen from any country are encouraged to apply!