Empowering Rural Women: A Call for Weekly Market Spaces to Promote Their Economic Independence

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | November 30th, 2024 — In a bold call for action, Dalila Bendjoudi, President of the Forum for Supporting and Promoting Rural Women, has urged Algeria’s top authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior and Local Assemblies, to consider establishing weekly market spaces dedicated to rural women. These spaces would provide a vital platform for housebound women to market their products, enabling economic self-reliance and fostering social empowerment.

Speaking during a study day focused on advancing rural women’s rights, Bendjoudi emphasized the need for these market spaces to be accessible free of charge, particularly in remote regions. She proposed that these markets could operate on a weekly basis, even if only for a half day, ensuring that women in rural areas have consistent opportunities to sell their produce and crafts.

Highlighting the critical role of rural women in agriculture, Bendjoudi noted her observations during field visits to various provinces across Algeria. She remarked that many rural women actively engage in farming and tree planting despite not owning the land they cultivate. To address this, she called on the Ministry of Agriculture to allocate small parcels of land to these women, bypassing complex digital platforms that often hinder access for this demographic.

“Rural women only need small plots of land near their homes to sustain their agricultural activities,” she stated, stressing the importance of simplifying access to resources for women who have already demonstrated resilience and ingenuity in agricultural initiatives.

Bendjoudi also brought attention to the plight of women forced to rent land to carry out their farming activities. Many have taken on long-term leases, often spanning decades, to grow high-value crops such as saffron or engage in beekeeping and other agricultural ventures. She recounted one woman’s story of leasing land for 20 years to sustain her livelihood, underlining the urgent need for comprehensive support and fair land allocation policies.

About Dzair Tube Media Group

Dzair Tube has firmly positioned itself as a leading force in Algerian digital journalism, delivering a rich and diverse array of content. Available in Arabic, French, and English, Dzair Tube captivates a broad audience, drawing over half a million daily clicks.

The platform’s excellence was notably recognized with the prestigious President of the Republic’s Award for Professional Journalist in the Electronic Press category on October 22, 2022. This accolade underscores Dzair Tube’s steadfast commitment to the highest journalistic standards.

Dzair Tube’s substantial online footprint includes 350,000 YouTube subscribers, over six million followers across various Facebook pages, and 450,000 Instagram followers. The digital channel serves as a nexus for a wide range of programming, spanning news, sports, entertainment, culture, and religion, catering to a diverse audience.

Boasting cutting-edge studios and advanced technology, Dzair Tube’s digital channel has attracted a significant viewership with its varied programs. It facilitates interactive discussions with key figures from various sectors, promoting public discourse and engagement. Beyond news, Dzair Tube excels in producing marketing documentaries, short TV commercials, and high-viewership shows.

The print edition of Dzair Tube’s sports newspaper, “Dzair Sport,” further attests to the platform’s influence, with over 50,000 daily downloads from the official Dzair Tube website.

Awarded the Media Leadership Award by the Minister of Communication, Mohamed Laâgab, Dzair Tube continues to shape the Algerian digital media landscape, maintaining its position of influence and impact. Additionally, Dzair Tube’s prominence in Algeria’s media scene was celebrated at the ninth edition of the “Hilals of the Television” competition, solidifying its status as a media leader.

Stay Connected with Dzair Tube