On August 29th, 2024, the FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) project took centre stage at the 35th International Geographical Congress (IGC) in Dublin, marking a significant moment for the discourse on sustainable futures in rural spaces. The presentation, led by Maura B. Farrell, Louise Weir, and Aisling Murtagh from the University of Galway, highlighted the critical role of women-led innovation in navigating global challenges.
The IGC 2024, themed “Celebrating a World of Difference,” serves as a global platform for sharing pioneering geographic research, fostering intercultural understanding, and addressing the complex interconnections between people, places, and the natural world. This year’s congress emphasised the importance of intellectual diversity and the geographic discipline’s contributions to global challenges, making it an ideal venue for FLIARA’s presentation.
During the session “Navigating Global Challenges in Rural Spaces: Revealing Sustainable Futures through Women-Led Innovation,” the FLIARA team presented their research on the impacts of contemporary trends—such as climate change, gender inequalities, and the COVID-19 pandemic—on rural areas across Europe. The project underscores the evolving landscape of rural regions, which are navigating digital and ecological transitions while grappling with the persistent challenges of inclusivity and sustainability.
FLIARA’s presentation introduced a transdisciplinary methodology designed to enhance understanding and recognition of the vital roles women play in shaping sustainable rural futures. By employing futures and case study methods, network building, and policy benchmarking, FLIARA aims to illuminate the pathways of women-led innovations in agriculture and rural areas, often marginalised by patriarchal norms.
The project’s innovative foresight approach identifies essential innovations needed for a sustainable future and explores women’s contributions to the rural innovation ecosystem. The outcomes of this research are poised to influence policy development and provide practical tools to support women-led innovation, offering a blueprint for resilience in rural communities facing global challenges.
As the IGC 2024 continues to foster global collaboration and understanding, FLIARA’s participation not only highlights the transformative potential of women in rural spaces but also reaffirms the importance of inclusive innovation in addressing the pressing issues of our time.