Celebrating rural women as agents of health equity and community empowerment

As we mark the International Day of Rural Women today (15 October), we celebrate the invaluable contributions that rural women make to the health and wellbeing of their communities.

In this feature, we highlight four such remarkable women, each of whom has made a positive impact in her own unique role. We invited them to share their experiences, challenges and hopes as rural women working in diverse contexts, shedding light on their essential contributions to health.

Dr Sarah Goddard | Senior Rural Generalist | NT Health Barkly Region, Australia

"Being a local Aboriginal woman working in the communities I grew up in is a huge advantage to both the people and myself. I am able to provide primary health care, emergency care and education to people who I know and who know me. I am the one who is always around and continues to remain in the region. Being a local bred doctor with rural and remote lifestyle and Aboriginal heritage allows me to relate on levels others cannot. Being a doctor is so rewarding, and [by] being a doctor in my community, I can only hope I continue to improve health care across my region. Having to leave home to study nearly broke me a number of times. Having to leave home to study nearly broke me a number of times. I wasn't the academic people thought I was, I had to work extremely hard to overcome failing and fight with myself to stay away from the one place I wanted to be: home. In my professional journey I have had to overcome people assuming that I was given a hand up, that I was not worthy to be in the position I am and had to continue to fight to prove I am as skilled and able to work as a Senior Rural Generalist. I hope many more rural women have the power to follow their dreams, overcome any challenges they feel are too big or not achievable. I am a rural woman who has never given up and hope to inspire more to follow."

Pinki Devi | Volunteer | Aga Khan Foundation, India

"In my role, I empower communities by promoting sustainable water and sanitation solutions. Through capacity building, I support village water and sanitation Committees, encourage water conservation and water safety planning, and ensure proper maintenance of schemes. This access to clean water significantly improves rural health and wellbeing by reducing the risk of water-borne diseases.

"When communities have pure water and sanitation, they experience better health outcomes, leading to stronger, more resilient populations. As a rural woman, I've faced challenges like limited decision-making opportunities and societal expectations.

"Professionally, balancing household duties with leadership roles in water management has been tough, but overcoming these hurdles has empowered me to inspire other women in my community. I hope rural women gain greater leadership roles and are empowered to make decisions that improve our communities. I imagine a future where women actively contribute to water management, sustainability and overall village development, inspiring future generations."

Nabulya Regina | Community Health Worker Coordinator | Nama Wellness Community Centre, Uganda

"I have raised awareness of preventable diseases, improved community sanitation, promoted child immunization, delivered family planning and child treatment services close to people and increased antenatal care attendance, making basic health care more accessible in my community. As a woman, I am expected to balance household duties and work as a community health worker (CHW), which is challenging.

I also face harsh weather and inconsistent facilitation for transport, and I feel undermined by those who doubt my professionalism as a community woman. I hope future women will be more aware of their rights and avoid challenges like domestic violence. I envision improved access to information and essential services like family planning, safe childbirth and full immunization for babies, ensuring a brighter future."

Dr Amber Wheatley | Primary Care Physician | uGANaUST British Virgin Islands

"My role is to be the first port of call for all healthcare needs. This can range from routine health checks to emergency care and everything in between. I aim to teach my patients how to look after themselves. I'm able to handle most work-based challenges. Where I struggle is with everything else! I often joke that if I were a man, I would just get a wife but as a woman, I have to do everything myself. I would love to inspire the incoming generation to take up position of active leadership in the public healthcare system. I also want homemakers to embrace that health starts at home and not when a crisis comes."

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