CONTENT Foreword ........................................................................................................ 1 1. Introduction ....................................................................................... 3 2. Overarching aspects ........................................................................... 4 2.1 An intersecting form of discrimination................................................ 4 2.2 Understanding rurality ........................................................................ 5 2.3 Identifiable groups of women and girls living in rural areas ................ 7 3. Particular issues pertaining to equality and the empowerment of women and girls living in rural areas ............................................................... 8 3.1 Empowerment through participation in decision-making ................... 8 3.2 Violence and harmful practices against women and girls living in rural areas................................................................................................... 9 3.3 The accessibility, acceptability and affordability of public services ... 10 3.4 Income security and social protection .............................................. 12 3.5 Rights to land and productive resources ........................................... 13 4. Environment, Climate Change and Natural Disasters ....................... 13 5. Conclusion ........................................................................................ 14