Shaping the Future of Rural Europe: FLIARA Champions Women’s Leadership

The FLIARA (Female-Led Innovation in Agriculture and Rural Areas) Project hosted its inaugural Community of Practice (CoP) event in Galway, Ireland (July 1-2, 2024), marking a significant step in its mission to build a European network supporting women innovators.

The event showcased the project’s progress in identifying and promoting innovative practices led by women across ten European countries. A key moment was the introduction of the first six FLIARA Ambassadors – inspiring women from Ireland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Sweden who are driving positive change in their rural communities.

Key figures like Minister Pippa Hackett in Ireland and representatives from the European Commission highlighted the importance of gender equality in agriculture and recognised FLIARA’s vital role. The event also featured a panel discussion with the ambassadors, offering valuable insights into their work. Workshops on policy and future strategies further advanced the project’s goals.

The FLIARA Project continues to champion the visibility and impact of women in rural development, aiming to inspire and empower more women to become leaders in their fields. More CoP events are planned across Europe.