"By improving financial and infrastructure support, and ensuring that women are represented in decision-making, local and regional authorities can significantly boost women’s innovation in rural areas." Sari Rautio, President of the EPP-CoR Group, made these remarks during the European Policy Forum on Women-Led Innovation organized by the European Association for Innovation in Local Development (AEIDL) .
The event brought together policymakers, civil servants, and key stakeholders to discuss effective public support schemes aimed at empowering women in agriculture across the European Union. Sari Rautio, who served as the CoR's standing rapporteur on Gender Equality highlighted the strategic importance of gender equality in agriculture and rural development and the role local and regional authorities can play.
Local and regional authorities play a pivotal role in addressing the specific challenges faced by women in rural areas. The forum highlighted that women have long been overlooked and underrepresented in Local Action Groups (LAGs) and rural decision-making bodies. In this regard, Rautio stressed "Gender equality is fundamental to society, the economy, the environment, and sustainability. It is a strategic issue for all of Europe, all member states, the local and regional level and local communities. Especially now, when even the idea of gender equality is being challenged, we have to be clear on this: gender equality is good for everyone, for all sexes, and for the future."
"Empowering women in agriculture is not just about fairness — it’s about ensuring the future of sustainable and innovative rural development," said Sari Rautio in her intervention. "We in the European Committee of the Regions are strongly supporting this — for a better future for all."
The forum, organised within the framework of the GRASS CEILING Project, focused on enhancing the inclusion and promotion of women and their innovations in agricultural and rural policies, as well as improving women’s access to land and leadership opportunities.
Key Takeaways:
- Data Gaps and Decision-Making - A major challenge identified during the forum was the lack of comprehensive data on women’s participation and contributions in agriculture. Rautio emphasised the need of better data to follow and use for decision-making. Improved data collection will enable more targeted and effective policy interventions.
- Mentoring and Networking - The forum underscored the importance of providing structured mentoring and networking opportunities for women — and men — in agriculture. Enhanced support structures can help women navigate the complexities of the agricultural sector and build stronger business networks.
- Gender Budgeting and Positive Discrimination - The concept of gender budgeting emerged as a promising strategy to ensure that public resources are allocated in a way that promotes gender equality.
- Involving Men in Gender Equality - The need to engage men in conversations and actions around gender equality was also highlighted. Rautio stressed that it is not enough for women alone to talk about this and there is a need to get men involved. Achieving true gender equality in agriculture requires broader societal engagement.
Tackling Gender Discrimination and Cultural Barriers
Despite their contributions to agriculture, women still face significant barriers in gaining leadership roles in farmers' cooperatives, agribusinesses, and local governance. Sexism and gender stereotypes remain deeply rooted in rural communities. The forum called for targeted policies and cultural shifts to break down these barriers and ensure that women have equal opportunities to succeed.
A Strong Commitment to Change
The debate concluded with a strong commitment from AEIDL and the CoR to continue supporting women in agriculture and rural development through better data collection, targeted financial and infrastructure support, and increased representation in decision-making bodies.