Dr. Maura Farrell: Women in Rural Ireland by Ailbhe Doyle

Everyone was buzzing with positivity and ambition by day two of the conference. Dr. Maura Farrell, a senior lecturer of the University of Galway, added to the determination in the audience with her presentation on Women in Rural Ireland that showcased the pioneering and untapped work of the women across rural Ireland who are innovating with nature at the forefront.

​Dr. Farrell began by reinstating the undisputed connection between climate, nature and rural life. One cannot be discussed without the other in mind, and that is why empowering women in rural Ireland and Europe to engage in climate action, she said was so important. The women of rurality have often been overlooked, regardless of their vital role in keeping agricultural systems afloat. However, women make up 51% of Europe’s population and 67.3% of working aged women are employed in rural areas, with 29% of farms being managed by women. Despite these astounding figures women have historically faced challenges in being acknowledged in rural settings. These challenges range from gender-based discrimination to education and skills gaps, as well as inadequate infrastructure and pay. Challenges like these only encourage community disengagement, underrepresentation of perspectives and migration of rural areas.

However, to combat the snowballing environmental degradation much more effectively, women’s contribution and innovation must be recognised, according to Dr. Farrell. This can be done through crediting women’s innovations, capacity-building programmes, entrepreneurial education relief form care roles, easily accessible funding and access to business, peer and empowering networks to name a few. When women are involved, their “huge capacity for innovation” creates a community of inspiring entrepreneurial figures paving the way for an agricultural revolution with nature at its core. The FLIARA (Female Led Innovation in Agriculture in Rural Areas) are this exact community of inspiring women across Europe who are leading the way in innovative agriculture. These ambassadors highlight the impact that spotlighting women’s capacity to positively impact farming and rural innovation can have on tackling climate issues and much more!

Find out more at: https://fliara.eu/