Bearing in mind that rural areas still represent an important part of the African region, where rural populations may account for up to 85 per cent of the total population, that the agricultural sector can contribute up to 50 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) and that the proportion of active rural women varies from 45 to 80 per cent of the agricultural labour force, producing up to 80 per cent of food crops, Expressing deep concern that despite the fact that rural women significantly contribute to the well-being of rural families, to the livelihood of communities and to the national economy, their important role is not sufficiently recognized, and their participation in the decision-making process at all levels is low, Aware of the need to recognize the importance of an understanding of gender issues within all areas of agricultural, social, economic, environmental and political life in order to achieve a balanced division of roles and responsibilities, Deeply concerned about the lack of economic owing to their lack of access to land ownership, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities and professional and technical skills as a result of to education, training and literacy programmes, independence of rural women productive resources, and owing as well to inadequate the restricted access of women Noting that rural areas lack favourable social support services and resources, information on opportunities, and enabling conditions that would allow rural women to fully participate in development, Aware of the low self-esteem of rural women and their limited selfawareness concerning their possibilities and potentials and of the fact that there is poor communication on opportunities, Expressing deep concern about the marginalization of rural women, especially young women with small children, women living in extreme poverty in rural areas and the sexual harassment experienced by, and the violence perpetrated against, them, including those in war-affected areas, as well as about the effect of male migrant workers, Aware of the need for rural women to become empowered to take an active part in development, as well as of their need to have access to education, health and various social and economic support organizations and institutions, Concerned about the worsening of the socio-economic status of rural women and of their life and working conditions, thereby hindering their full integration in development, 1. Urges Governments to take action in support of rural women’s full participation in the economy and in the political system by developing specific plans to meet the above-mentioned needs; 2. Recommends that Governments set up monitoring and evaluation measures to appraise progress made; 3. Urges Governments to integrate gender issues in mainstream research and policy initiatives, follow-up and evaluation in the field of agriculture and rural development and to support, as appropriate, women’s participation in policy-making and relevant institutions; -30-