5.12.2017

Coordinated by the ADRI Vega del Segura Municipalities Local Action Group , this project seeks to combine the capacities and efforts of the participating Local Action Groups (LAGs) to advance the promotion of gender equality and sustainable development . To achieve this objective, various actions aimed at promoting the inclusion of women in development processes have been pooled, as well as initiatives aimed at the labor market integration and equal participation of women in all decision-making bodies.

The local action groups GDR Los Pedroches , ADR Sierra Mágina , Nordeste Región de Murcia , Campoder Rural Development Association , ADI El Záncara , ADRI Valladolid Norte , GAL Sur de Alicante , and the Don Quijote de la Mancha Regional Association participated in the exchange. All of these organizations are already working to promote women 's entrepreneurship and empowerment in rural areas .

During the first part of the conference, held on November 28th and 29th, the Ricote Valley was visited, where three projects led by women and financed with Leader funds were introduced. From Ojós to Abarán, passing through Blanca, these three towns carry out projects on a variety of topics, including one dedicated to early childhood education through the launch of a daycare center that has attracted several residents from neighboring towns. Another project showcased on-site was a rural guesthouse, integrated into a farm growing organic lemon, orange, mandarin, and apricot trees; and finally, an optician's shop located in Abarán. Three examples of female entrepreneurship that, after five years of operation and thanks to the Leader approach, have continued to grow and meet objectives to establish a population in the area.

In the second part of the meeting, each of the participating LAG representatives discussed their reasons for wanting to be part of the project, which, although still in its infancy, has been widely accepted. During the meeting, the administrative situation of each LAG regarding Leader cooperation in their region and the budget allocated for participation were presented. Two female entrepreneurs from Leader projects also presented to the participants the challenges and barriers faced by women in starting businesses in rural areas.

As a result of this exchange of experiences , a work schedule for the cooperation project was formalized, and the planned lines of action that each project member considered appropriate were discussed to establish the specific objectives of this cooperation initiative.