Rural Innovation
Women make up half of the population. However, they still face structural challenges that unfairly prevent many of them from unleashing their full potential.
In rural areas, women face a double hurdle: In addition to the gender gap, they also need to overcome the urban-rural divide in order to progress. Distance and a lack of prospects compel many young women to pursue their dreams elsewhere. The situation also presents an obstacle to realising equal opportunities across Europe.
Europe’s rural areas are an important contributor to the economy and society. They play a vital role in feeding citizens through the food that they raise and grow, while conserving the natural beauty and rich diversity of our countryside. Creating new opportunities through technology helps breathe new life into Europe’s heartlands while empowering rural women.
This is why the European Leadership Academy has created a programme like no other – The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation. The Academy’s second edition brought together talented women from 20 different European rural areas to acquire the skills and tools needed to shape the digital age from the beauty of their own villages.
