NYANYANO GOMOA EAST: Ms. Grace Quaye, President of the Development Action Association (DAA), has urged the government to address persistent gender inequalities in the agriculture and fisheries sectors. Her call aims to promote gender equality and empower rural women, thereby enhancing community development. According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Quaye made these remarks during the 2024 International Day of the Rural Woman event, themed "Rural Women Cultivating Food for All." Held in Nyanyano Gomoa East, Central Region, the event underscored the crucial contributions of rural women in agriculture. Ms. Quaye highlighted challenges faced by women in farming, such as galamsey and sand-weaning activities, and those in the fishery sector, who face illegal fishing and a lack of storage facilities. She called for government support to alleviate these issues. The International Day of Rural Women, observed annually on October 15, recognizes the vital role of rural women in agriculture and food security. It also addresse s challenges like limited access to resources and technology, aiming to elevate the status and conditions of women in rural communities. In Ghana, the day holds particular significance as rural women are pivotal to the agricultural sector, contributing significantly to food security and economic growth. It serves as a platform to advocate for enhanced support systems, empowerment, and policy reforms to ensure their contributions are acknowledged both nationally and globally. Ms. Quaye emphasized that women form a substantial part of the agricultural workforce in rural Ghana, significantly impacting food production, processing, and distribution. Despite facing gender discrimination, resource limitations, and climate change impacts, rural women continue to innovate and lead sustainable livelihoods. "As we celebrate this milestone, let us take a moment to reflect on the incredible achievement and resilience of our women farmers and fish processors of the Development Action Association," she stated. The DAA Pr esident called for collaborative efforts to create a supportive environment for rural women. Ms. Heather D'Agnes, Chief of Party Ghana Fisheries Recover Activity, noted that globally, women constitute 50% of the farming workforce, whereas in Ghana, this figure rises to approximately 80%. She commended rural women for their dedication and urged them to prioritize children's education and combat child labor despite the challenges. Mr. Bashiru Fuseini, Deputy Head of Programmes at Sustainable Development Through AgriBiz (GIZ AgriBiz), acknowledged DAA's pivotal role in championing women's participation in agriculture and fisheries, contributing to national nourishment. He called for ongoing collaboration among rural women farmers, the government, and stakeholders to implement agricultural innovations effectively, boosting food production and sustainability. Stakeholders at the event praised the DAA for its progress and for providing a platform where rural women can unite and showcase their critical roles in t he food system, from land preparation to consumption.