Rural women are key agents for development. They play a catalytic role towards achievement of transformational economic, environmental and social changes required for sustainable development. But limited access to credit, health care and education are among the many challenges they face. These are further aggravated by the global food and economic crises and climate change. Empowering them is essential, not only for the well-being of individuals, families and rural communities, but also for overall economic productivity, given women’s large presence in the agricultural workforce worldwide.

Journalist, photographer (sometimes Photojournalist) Subhash Tomar, is also an author and broadcaster. Though he mostly works freelance, sending his photos and articles to magazines, journals, and newspapers worldwide, he usually features as the Newspaper architecture and design correspondent. He has written many novels.