October 15 - International Day of Rural Woman

October 15 is an International Day of Rural Women – A Force Changing the Countryside and the Future

On October 15, the world celebrates the International Day of Rural Women to honor women who, through their work, knowledge, creativity, perseverance, and resilience, keep the countryside alive and thriving. Women are the heart of rural life – their dedication and determination help the countryside flourish and move toward a sustainable future.

Rural women are a vital cornerstone of development – they grow food, care for families and communities, run businesses, and drive innovation.

Across the European Union, more and more women are engaging in agriculture, science, and entrepreneurship, seeking solutions to the challenges of climate change, food security, and sustainability. As highlighted in Horizon Europe projects, women play a crucial role in the development of “green agriculture” – introducing new technologies, community initiatives, and organic farming practices that reduce environmental impact.

Yet, women still face significant barriers, and their contributions are often undervalued. They experience inequalities in the labor market, and face limited access to finance, training, and land ownership. These challenges are compounded by climate change and economic uncertainty.

Promoting education, innovation, and participation is therefore essential – not only for the well-being of women and their families, but also for economic growth and food security across nations.

According to the European Commission, women make up around 30% of the agricultural workforce, and one in three farms in the EU is managed by a woman. However, only 4.2% of farm managers are under the age of 35 – showing that future rural leaders need special support. The EUFRAS initiative “YoungEUFRAS” also works to encourage young advisors to join rural business and development, providing innovative perspectives and new ideas.

The new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP 2023–2027) aims to change this by including, for the first time, a specific objective on gender equality. CAP and the European Rural Network highlight women as leaders of change, promoting their participation in entrepreneurship, improving access to credit and support services, and ensuring greater representation in decision-making.

The EU CAP Network workshop “Women-led Innovations in Agriculture and Rural Areas”, held in Krakow, Poland, in April 2024, showcased many inspiring examples of women who are boldly and creatively shaping new approaches in agriculture, forestry, and rural entrepreneurship. These innovations strengthen local economies, protect the environment, and foster social inclusion.

One such inspiring example is Dr. Maura Farrell from Ireland, who leads the EU-funded FLIARA project. It is building a Europe-wide network of women innovators to help rural women become leaders in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. As Dr. Farrell notes:

“We need to promote greater acceptance and support for rural women as entrepreneurs and innovators. They are a force for greening Europe.”

Across Europe, rural women are proving that innovation can start right at the heart of the countryside – through organic farming, crafts, agritourism, and environmentally friendly initiatives that strengthen both the economy and society as a whole.