The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions today underlined the crucial role of women in shaping the future of Europe’s rural areas, stressing that genuine equality is essential for revitalising the countryside and modernising agricultural sectors. Speaking in Brussels, EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio emphasised that strengthening gender equality is not only a matter of rights, but a prerequisite for rural resilience, innovation, and long-term prosperity.
Rautio delivered her remarks during the GRASS CEILING Final Showcase Event, where rural innovators, policymakers and EU-level stakeholders gathered to reflect on three years of work dedicated to boosting female leadership in agriculture and rural innovation.
Addressing participants Rautio said “Today we talk about the future of countryside and agriculture and equality. We need more women to be active actors so that the livable countryside will be strengthened and flourished.” She also highlighted the positive momentum of the initiative:
“It is inspiring to see how much work has already been done — and how much potential still lies ahead. By ensuring that women in rural areas have equal opportunities, skills, and support, we pave the way for vibrant rural communities and a sustainable agricultural future for all. Gender equality is not a soft thing, but it is crucial to be mainstreamed if we want rural areas to flourish.”
Background: The GRASS CEILING Final Showcase Event
The GRASS CEILING Final Showcase Event marks the culmination of three years of collaboration, research, and innovation under the Horizon Europe–funded project. The high-level gathering brought together rural innovators, policymakers, researchers, and representatives from EU institutions and civil society.
The event presented the key findings of the project’s Living Labs, highlighting pioneering examples of female-led innovation in rural areas, and provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening gender equality within the agricultural and rural innovation ecosystem.
By showcasing practical solutions and policy recommendations, GRASS CEILING aimed to ensure that women’s contributions become a driving force in building a more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive rural Europe.
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Empowering Women vital for Rural Areas - Sari Rautio
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The EPP Group is a leading force in the European Committee of the Regions: a consultative body which was created in 1994 to give locally and regionally elected representatives of government a say over the content of EU legislation.