08.11.2016

On November 8th, the Segovia town of Hontalbilla hosted a workshop on "Female Entrepreneurship: Growing Dye Plants Using Sustainable Methods" at the headquarters of the Federation of Rural Women (FEMUR), organized by the National Rural Network. Approximately 90 women participated in the event.

Juana Borrego, national president of FEMUR, began the meeting by highlighting the importance of these events, which give women a leading role and give new life to communities.

María Dolores Chiquero, Deputy Director General of Farm Modernization at the General Directorate of Rural Development and Forestry Policy of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA), emphasized at the opening of the event that the objective of the event is to develop the capacities of rural women to undertake business in their territories, and that only through knowledge can the wealth and potential of each territory be discovered and valued. The Deputy Director added that this event, and the one held in Mérida the previous week, respond to the demands of rural women's organizations, such as FEMUR, concerned about entrepreneurship and the settlement of population in the region.

Isabel Sánchez Tejado, president of the Gredos North Business Association, spoke about the "Gredos Model" as a motivator for entrepreneurship in rural areas. The model developed in her region can be useful to others; it involves discovering what we have, engaging and uniting all SMEs, and always positively valuing what we have and our progress.

The day continued with a presentation by the manager and technician of the Andanatura Foundation, Julio Campos Vidiella, and Lola Alcón Mestre. During their presentations, the speakers reviewed the most important aspects of implementing a business idea, an innovative project, or the diversification of an existing plan. They explained the methodology they use, adapted to rural environments and specifically to businesses run by women, and presented several success stories.

Elena García Gil, Secretary General of FEMUR, spoke, highlighting the importance and opportunities for rural entrepreneurship. From the same organization, agricultural engineer José Luis Herrero spoke about FEMUR's environmental park, its creation, evolution, and use in rural training and employment programs.

Rosa González Martín, representing Confianza SL, and Concepción Bayón, a traditional clothing entrepreneur, participated in the presentations on best practices by female entrepreneurs.

Alicia Mediavilla, from Segovia, presented her project "Dye Plant Cultivation with Sustainable Methods." This project involves cultivating dye plants and recovering ancestral dye production formulas using non-polluting reagents. This is an example of an innovative and sustainable project that helps diversify economic activity in the region. Mediavilla received the MAGRAMA Award of Excellence for Innovation for Rural Women in 2014.

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