The observation of women's limited representation in the decision-making bodies of local action groups (LAGs) was the starting point for organizing this workshop by the National Rural Network. This lack of participation is evident in two studies funded by the National Rural Network and conducted by the two LAG networks:

- The future is written in feminine, carried out by the Spanish Rural Development Network
- Equality study in the governance and management bodies of the GAL, carried out by the State Rural Development Network

The objective of the meeting, which was attended by nearly 100 people, was to share the experiences and perspectives of the various stakeholders involved in this issue, primarily GALs and rural women and their organizations, as well as management authorities and equality agents. This broad participation was intended to foster dialogue focused on analyzing the possible causes of this problem and identifying possible actions and initiatives that various stakeholders can take to improve this situation, encouraging the participation of rural women in the design and development of local development strategies for their territories.

The morning session consisted of a panel discussion on "The Value of Women in Local Action Groups. LEADER as an Opportunity for Rural Women." The speakers included José Luis Peralta, from the General Directorate of Rural Development and Forestry Policy (MAPAMA); Celia Serrano, from the Department of Rural Development of the Regional Government of Andalusia; María José Murciano, from the Spanish Rural Development Network (REDR); Víctor Jolín, from the State Rural Development Network (REDER); and Mila Diez, from the Federation of Rural Women's Associations (Fademur-La Rioja). They analyzed the limited participation of women in local action group (LAG) governance bodies and pointed out various possible causes, such as a lack of information and support, support, motivation, and structural difficulties or barriers to accessing these bodies.

They also highlighted the opportunities that LEADER offers compared to other grants for entrepreneurship, improving the quality of life, and empowering rural women, the importance of disseminating information about LEADER among the local population, especially women, and the work of local action groups and women's organizations to encourage women's involvement in LEADER.

In the afternoon, the panel discussion focused on "Experiences and potential for women's participation in LEADER," featuring Isabel Sánchez Tejado of the Association of Tourism Entrepreneurs of Northern Gredos (ASENORG); Petra García of the Araduey-Campos Local Government Association (GAL Araduey-Campos); Cristina Bayona of the Zona Media Local Government Association of Navarra; Martina Diezma de la Fuente of the Federation of Rural Women and Families (AMFAR); and Silvia Ramos of the Union of Women and Families of the Rural Area (La Union de Llauradors i Ramaders of the Valencian Community). The panelists shared their positive and negative experiences with their participation in local action groups and expressed their views on the possible causes of this lack of female involvement in the LAGs, as well as potential actions to promote it: establishing minimum percentages of women's representation in their assemblies and boards of directors, promoting and supporting actions by the LAGs, management authorities, and women's organizations, etc.

Among other things, the debate focused on whether the key to female representation lies in the participation of women regardless of the sector they represent, or in the participation of rural women's organizations that specifically defend the interests of women in rural areas.

The workshop format, which prioritized dialogue between the parties, did not allow for any concrete conclusions, but it provides a starting point for putting this issue on the map and proposing future studies and specific actions that will contribute to improving women's participation in LEADER, both at the decision-making level and in using the tool for specific projects.

The workshop program and presentations can be found at this link. link