This brochure provides an insight into the everyday lives of rural women, who, despite the difficult circumstances of rural life, work hard to improve their lives as well as of those around them. The brochure draws together stories of strong and inspirational rural women, who, with confidence and determination, changed their lives for the better.

This policy brief highlights the need for publicly provided social care services for children, the sick, the elderly and persons with disabilities to reduce the burden of unpaid care work on women and advance women’s economic empowerment. It details the substantial advantages and returns countries stand to gain in the short and long run from such investments.