She Moves Mountains: Empowering women in mountainous regions through gender equality
She Moves Mountains aims to promote gender equality by empowering the marginalised women in Zagori’s mountainous region. It addresses the challenges led by geographical isolation, cultural barriers, as well as socio economical inequalities. To do so, it promotes a supportive community and enhances women’s visibility in traditionally male-dominated sectors, for example in agriculture and tourism
Objective(s): to connect and empower women, providing them with tools for personal and career growth. To increase women’s visibility as key contributors to the region's sustainable development. Promote women’s roles in preserving natural and cultural heritage, including maintaining region’s traditions and practices. Foster a collective identity that reflects their dynamic character and heritage. In the long term, it hopes to create a sustainable model of empowerment and visibility for women in mountainous areas.
Result(s): established Women Circles for creating a nurturing environment for women to share experiences and support each other. Hosted activities around personal development workshops, career training, and cultural heritage promotion. Provided women with platforms to share their achievements and worries (with the organization of Live Story Sharing Events). Digital tools were utilized to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Practical implications/recommendations: By focusing on community-based, locally-led actions, building community networks, using digital platforms, and creating visibility spaces, the approach can be replicated in other rural and isolated locations. Benefits may include improving gender equality, decreasing unemployment, and economic empowerment. As local collaborations and digital resources are used, costs may relatively low, but coordination is necessary.
Additional information
Despite all the obstacles, this initiative succeeded thanks to strong community trust, funding from the British Council, as well as the partnerships with organisations like Women On Top. The main obstacles are overcoming isolation and mobilizing resources. However, these were mitigated through community willingness and effective leadership. Future actions could focus on expanding digital skills and creating partnerships to enlarge impact. The Women Circle could be extended to neighbouring villages, while collaborating with the University of Ioannina for research on gender equality.
Empowering rural communities to act for change
Ongoing | 2023-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Italy, Spain, Germany, Finland, Belgium, Austria, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Cyprus, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine