At FLIARA, we are dedicated to empowering women in rural areas and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. We are thrilled to share insights from our Project Coordinator, Maura Farrell, who recently spoke with Horizon Magazine about the pivotal role women play in shaping the future of European agriculture.
Dr. Maura Farrell’s Inspirational Journey
Dr. Maura Farrell, an Associate Professor in Geography, Archaeology, and Irish Studies at the University of Galway, has been profoundly influenced by the strong women in her life. Growing up, she witnessed the resilience and ingenuity of her grandmothers, who farmed their entire lives, and her mother-in-law, who continued to run a feed and fertiliser business in rural Ireland despite significant challenges. These women not only shaped Dr. Farrell’s perspective but also laid the groundwork for today’s rural women.
The Challenges Women Face
Despite the progress made, women in rural areas across the EU continue to face numerous challenges. Dr. Farrell highlights several key issues:
- Access to Resources and Funding: Women often struggle to secure the necessary financial support to innovate and sustain their agricultural practices.
- Educational and Training Barriers: Limited access to education and training opportunities hinders women from adopting new agricultural techniques.
- Societal and Cultural Norms: Traditional gender roles can restrict women’s participation and leadership in agriculture.
- Lack of Policy Support: Existing policies frequently overlook the specific needs of women in agriculture.
The FLIARA Project
Dr. Farrell coordinates the FLIARA project, a multi-country initiative funded by the EU. FLIARA aims to create a European-wide rural innovation network that supports women in shaping a sustainable rural future. The project involves partners from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Spain, and Sweden, and will run until the end of 2025.
Promoting Female-Led Innovation
One of FLIARA’s key goals is to increase the visibility of female-led innovation in rural areas. Successful female farmers and rural entrepreneurs across Europe can serve as role models, encouraging more women to engage in these areas. Showcasing female leaders in innovation and influencing policy are crucial steps towards creating a positive narrative around women in farming and rural areas.
Building a Sustainable Future
Women play a critical role in driving sustainable, eco-friendly farming practices. Their creativity and problem-solving abilities make them excellent at diversification, which is essential for overcoming the challenges ahead in rural society. Women are key players in agritourism, craft industries, and artisan food production, demonstrating strong entrepreneurial and business skills.
Supporting Policy Changes
For the first time, the EU’s Common Agricultural Policy strategy explicitly refers to gender equality and the need to increase the participation of women in farming and rural life. Although only Ireland and Spain have proposed direct measures to support women in farming, several other EU countries have included broader rural development policies that encourage greater female participation.
Read More
We invite you to read the full interview with Dr. Maura Farrell in Horizon Magazine to gain deeper insights into the role of women in greening European agriculture and the important work being done by the FLIARA project. Read more here.
At FLIARA, we believe in the power of women to drive innovation and sustainability in rural areas. We can build a greener and more prosperous future for all by supporting and empowering women.