INT’L DAY OF RURAL WOMEN: Salesian Missions highlights projects that educate rural girls and women
Day recognizes critical role, contribution of rural women
(MissionNewswire) Salesian Missions, the U.S. development arm of the Salesians of Don Bosco, joins humanitarian organizations and countries around the globe in honoring the International Day of Rural Women, which is celebrated each year on Oct. 15. This day, which was first established in 2008, recognizes “the critical role and contribution of rural women, including Indigenous women, in enhancing agricultural and rural development, improving food security, and eradicating rural poverty.”
The United Nations has noted, “Women and girls in rural areas lack equal access to productive resources and assets, public services, such as education and healthcare, and infrastructure, including water and sanitation, while much of their labor remains invisible and unpaid. Globally, with few exceptions, every gender and development indicator for which data are available reveals that rural women fare worse than rural men and urban women and that they disproportionately experience poverty, exclusion, and the effects of climate change.”
Salesian missionaries living and working in more than 130 countries are focused on achieving gender equality through programs targeted specifically for young women and girls. These programs provide opportunities for education and training that lead to livable wage employment.
“Salesian missionaries are working to empower rural girls and women through education and social programs in countries around the globe,” said Father Michael Conway, director of Salesian Missions. “Ensuring access to education enables them to develop the skills for a reliable source of income and contribute in meaningful ways to their communities.”
In honor of the International Day of Rural Women, Salesian Missions is proud to share Salesian projects that empower rural girls and women.
EL SALVADOR
Donor funding from Salesian Missions helped improve employment training for women at six Salesian institutions in El Salvador.
Salesian missionaries in El Salvador had the donor funding to improve technical and vocational education for young women, aged 16-35, thanks in part to Salesian Missions. The project, “Education as an Engine for the Integration of Young People in Vulnerable Situations”, is part of the Skilling El Salvador 2022–2026 Program and was carried out at six Salesian institutions.
The goal for the four-year project aimed to improve training through expanding and diversifying the courses offered. Twelve new short courses and four longer courses were offered. These new courses taught nontraditional technical skills for women.
Salesians aimed to ensure a smooth transition from coursework to the labor market. The Labor Intermediation Offices supported graduates in their transition, consolidating 166 agreements with companies. A key milestone in 2025 was the first Salesian Employability Congress, which brought together representatives from the business, education and social sectors to address the challenges of today’s labor market.
The young women who enrolled in the coursework were from situations of socioeconomic vulnerability from areas with limited access to quality technical training and high unemployment rates. They came from families with incomes below the poverty line, and many were at risk of irregular migration or recruitment by criminal groups. These women face additional barriers to employment with added responsibilities at home, gaps in access to technical training and lower participation in the formal labor market.
GUATEMALA
Young women from Talita Kumi centers received healthy nutrition through Rise Against Hunger’s partnership with Salesian Missions.
Young women attending Talita Kumi centers in Guatemala had access to better nutrition as a result of a partnership between Salesian Missions and Rise Against Hunger. Close to 700 young women from three centers received the meals in the first half of 2025.
Salesian sisters have also added educational content related to nutrition, food security and healthy eating practices. These topics have been addressed in a hands-on, practical way during training sessions with the students, strengthening their learning and promoting healthy eating habits. The students enjoy the rice’s taste and its versatility in preparing diverse menu items.
Lidia, aged 16, received a balanced diet through the food program at the Talita Kumi boarding school. She lives in the village of Chiquixji and is from the Indigenous Q’eqchi’ community.
She said, “I am happy because here I have learned to prepare food in a healthy and hygienic way.” Lidia takes what she has learned and cooks rice tortillas or rice soups for her family. “When I return to my community, I want to teach other families how to eat better with the products they already have at their disposal.”
INDIA
Girls at Don Bosco Girls Hostel in India received nutritional support thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesian missionaries with the Don Bosco Girls Hostel, located in Nalgonda, a city in Telangana, India, received donor funding to provide 150 girls who are marginalized with nutritional support. The donor funding came from Salesian Missions.
Through the project, 150 girls residing in the hostel, many of whom are identified as being undernourished, were able to improve their nutrition. The girls have access to three meals a day. Additional nutritional support was provided for 50 severely undernourished girls. Based on assessments, these girls were identified and provided with additional nutritional supplements to help improve their health.
A full-time nurse has also been appointed to establish and manage the hostel infirmary. She provides regular healthcare services, including first aid, routine health monitoring, health counseling, hygiene support and health awareness sessions for the students, with particular attention to girls residing in the hostel. Regular health assessments are also being conducted to ensure timely identification and management of health concerns.
Anjali, aged 12, is residing at the hostel and studying at Don Bosco School in Nalgonda. She said, “Many people are surprised to know that I come from a remote village because they see me as confident, healthy and cheerful. I sincerely thank Don Bosco for helping me grow into the person I am today. Like me, many girls from poor and marginalized families have found a second home here. We feel safe, loved and respected.”
RWANDA
Students in Rwanda benefited from professional toolkits made possible by donor funding from Salesian Missions.
Salesian missionaries in Rwanda were able to provide startup toolkits for youth who are vulnerable in three Don Bosco vocational and technical training schools thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions.
The schools are Don Bosco Rango, Don Bosco Gatenga and Don Bosco Muhazi. The donation impacted 420 students, the majority of whom are aged 16-24 and come from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many are single mothers and youth facing socio-economic challenges such as poverty, early pregnancies, and limited access to formal employment.
After receiving training in entrepreneurship, the toolkits empowered students to enter the labor market, generate income and begin addressing pressing family needs. Tailoring students received sewing machines and accessories, while those enrolled in welding, plumbing and masonry trades were provided with complete kits and attire essential for the workforce.
Sister Nyanzira Leocadie of Don Bosco Muhazi shared, “Empowering our youth with the right tools and skills transforms lives and communities. Supported by our partners, we are turning challenges into opportunities for a brighter future.”
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Sources:
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International Day of Rural Women
RWANDA: 420 students receive professional toolkits thanks to donor funding from Salesian Missions
