"Let us take a concrete step towards such a future by supporting rural women and girls around the world," he said in a message marking the International Day of Rural Women that falls on October 15.
He said rural women are early adopters of new agricultural techniques, first responders in crises and entrepreneurs of green energy.
The UN chief said rural women represent the backbone of many communities, but they continue to face obstacles that prevent them from realizing their potential.
The devastating impacts of climate change add to their hardship, he said.
Almost a third of women’s employment worldwide is in agriculture.
Women cultivate land, collect food, water and essential fuels, and sustain entire households, but lack equal access to land, finances, equipment, markets and decision-making power.
"Climate change exacerbates these inequalities, leaving rural women and girls further behind," said the UN chief.
A quarter of the total damage and loss resulting from climate-related disasters between 2006 and 2016 was suffered by the agricultural sector in developing countries, and women suffer disproportionately in such disasters, Guterres said.
At the same time, he mentioned, rural women are a repository of knowledge and skills that can help communities and societies adapt to the consequences of climate change through nature-based, low-carbon solutions.
"As farmers and producers, they play a central role in embracing both traditional and modern practices to respond to climate variability and shocks like droughts, heat waves, and extreme rainfall," he said.
The UN chief said listening to rural women and amplifying their voices is central to spreading knowledge about climate change and urging governments, businesses and community leaders to act.