Addressing Underrepresentation of Rural Women in Emancipation Policy

Abstract

The Netherlands’ National Emancipation Policy (“Emancipatienota”) focuses heavily on urban and professional contexts, neglecting rural women’s specific realities, roles, and challenges. Women-led innovations in farming, rural entrepreneurship, and community development are key drivers of sustainable rural futures. Yet, they remain invisible in national gender equality frameworks. This brief advocates for integrating rural women’s leadership and innovation into national emancipation policy goals and programs.