Copa and Cogeca celebrate International Women’s Day today and recognise the critical role of innovation and digitalisation for achieving gender equality and empowering women farmers across European rural areas.
Digitalisation can play a pivotal role in increasing access to information, markets, finance, and services. It can also facilitate communication and networking, thereby promoting knowledge exchange and strengthening collaboration.
“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate the achievements of women around the world, and we also reflect on the work that remains to be done to achieve gender equality. Digitalisation is a crucial tool for empowering women farmers and for helping them to enhance their sustainability, improve their livelihoods, and enable them to participate more fully in the economic and social life of their communities. I am excited to see what our next Women’s Innovation Award will bring, which this year is focusing on ‘Women at the forefront of rural areas.’ Over the years we have had some great examples of women leading the way in implementing digital and innovative techniques on their farm and I’m sure this year will be no different!“ said Lotta Folkesson, Chairwoman of Copa-Cogeca’s Women’s Committee.
In addition to highlighting the important role of women farmers and bringing attention to the work they are undertaking across European rural areas, Copa and Cogeca are actively involved in EU-funded projects that aim to address some of the challenges they are facing, such as limited access to digital technologies, skills, and opportunities. GAEA (Granting Access to Employment and Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for Women) is a project that focuses on improving the economic position of women in agriculture by enhancing their access to employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. The project aims to provide women with the necessary skills and knowledge to start their businesses and create job opportunities for themselves and others. Grass Ceiling is another project that aims to support women-led innovation in rural areas by analysing the current position of women in regard to mega-trends in European agriculture and rural areas, understanding the drivers and enablers for women-led innovations as well as the barriers encountered.
On this International Women’s Day, Copa and Cogeca reaffirm its commitment to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment in agriculture, forestry, and rural development. It calls for increased investment in digital infrastructure, education, and training for rural women and women farmers. Recognise the key role played by cooperatives to support gender equality, as well as a need to increase efforts to address the structural barriers that prevent women from fully participating in the digital economy.
Artigo publicado originalmente em Copa Cogeca.