22.03.2017

The National Rural Network (RRN) and the Confederation of Rural Women (CERES) held the "Knowledge Transfer Conference among Rural Women Entrepreneurs" on March 15 in Lalín (Pontevedra), aimed at women and representatives of rural women's organizations in Galicia and neighboring autonomous communities such as Castile and León and Asturias.

The event focused on sharing the experiences of women entrepreneurs and the procedures for obtaining financial assistance for their rural development projects.

In his presentation, the ministry representative highlighted the National Rural Network's interest in launching specific training forums for individuals and representatives of rural women's organizations. These forums offer opportunities under rural development policy, as well as promote participation in groups and organizations.

The various speakers presented the rural reality from different perspectives. Pura Seoane, a representative of the Labregas Association , highlighted the need for meeting spaces where people can reflect on the lives of women in rural areas. Paula Suanzes, manager of the Terras de Pontevedra Norte Rural Development Association , presented the Rural Development Group, its Participatory Local Development Strategy, the assistance it provides, and the projects it has developed, highlighting the participation of women in this area.

On behalf of the Labregas Association, Ana Eiras presented the problems, demands, and needs, as well as the concerns and aspirations of women living in rural areas.

Sonia Couso of Amarelante presented examples and entrepreneurial experiences, presenting the cooperative for the production and sale of quality chestnuts and the recovery of chestnut groves. Inés Casabella shared her experience as a sheep farmer, and Pura Seoane of Huerta Ecológica shared her life project in organic horticulture with the audience.
Ana Lorenzo, from Cidadanía , showed various examples of cooperative models in rural areas and presented the ten keys to properly starting a business.

The Equality and Rural Development Agent, Paloma Jimena, concluded the day with a workshop that addressed the situation of women in rural areas through the concerns, desires, and commitments of the attendees.