Changes from report parliamentary committee draft to plenary report

Women in rural, island and outermost regions are key drivers of community well-being, economic resilience and social cohesion. Yet across the EU, including in countries such as Poland, they continue to face social, financial or legal barriers that limit their full economic participation. This report aims to shed light on those challenges while putting forward practical and targeted recommendations to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship, social inclusion and long-term economic independence in rural territories.

In many Member States, rural women are disproportionately affected by the lack of access to finance, affordable childcare, adequate transport links, digital infrastructure, and gender-sensitive support systems. While the gender pay gap and traditional care burdens persist in urban contexts, they are often magnified in rural areas. In Poland, for instance, women in peripheral and low-density municipalities often combine unpaid care work with informal labour or family farming, without recognition or social security protection. Nevertheless, grassroots initiatives such as local housewives’ associations or rural cooperatives have proven that with the right institutional support, women can spearhead successful local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and build inclusive innovation ecosystems.

This report stresses the need to shift from isolated interventions to a more comprehensive and gender-responsive approach. It calls for mainstreaming gender equality across rural development, cohesion, digital and agricultural policies. The document also emphasises the importance of collecting gender-disaggregated data, raising awareness of women’s contributions to local economies, and supporting their participation in STEM and digital transitions. Such measures are essential for ensuring that women are not left behind in the transformation of rural areas.

Particular attention is paid to the availability of finance. Women entrepreneurs in rural areas, especially first-time entrepreneurs or those working in care, tourism, or traditional craft sectors, still face disproportionate difficulties accessing credit and business support. In this context, the report welcomes the EU Investment Savings Account (ISA) initiative and calls for a dedicated version tailored to rural women. Furthermore, it urges the Commission and Member States to ensure that the post-2027 multiannual financial framework (MFF) includes earmarked funding for women’s entrepreneurship under CAP, Horizon Europe and Digital Europe.

The report also reflects on the nature of rural labour in farming in relation to gender equality. Despite the central role women play in agricultural production and farm management, they are often invisible in official statistics and policy design. Access to land, fair remuneration, succession rights and access to CAP funds remain a challenge. As shown in research presented to the FEMM Committee, patterns such as “son as heir” and the undervaluation of women’s contributions still dominate in many Member States, including Poland.

Beyond economics, the report addresses the link between access to services, violence and exclusion. Gender-based violence is a widespread phenomenon that often goes unreported in rural areas due to stigma, lack of services and strong traditional gender roles. The report underlines the urgent need for accessible, confidential, and well-funded support systems, as well as for community-based awareness and prevention measures.

Importantly, this initiative does not only respond to existing inequalities; it also offers a vision. A vision of inclusive rural development where women are not an afterthought but central actors. Where traditional crafts, agriculture, circular economies and digital innovation are not mutually exclusive but intertwined. Where women’s work is visible, valued and supported.

The report is anchored in existing EU legislation and strategies, including the Pay Transparency Directive, the Work-Life Balance Directive, or the Gender Equality Strategy 2020–2025. It is aligned with the objectives of the Common Provisions Regulation and the principles of gender mainstreaming and territorial cohesion.

In drafting this report, contributions were considered from academic experts, civil society and Members of the European Parliament. The rapporteur wishes to thank all those who shared their experiences, analysis and practical examples. Their input has helped shape a policy blueprint that is both ambitious and rooted in reality.

Women’s entrepreneurship in rural areas is not a niche issue. It is a question of justice, cohesion and sustainable development. The time to act is now.