CROATIA, 17-22 NOVEMBER, 2024

Rural Innovation

Women make up half of the population. However, they still face structural challenges that unfairly prevent many of them from unleashing their full potential.
In rural areas, women face a double hurdle: In addition to the gender gap, they also need to overcome the urban-rural divide in order to progress. Distance and a lack of prospects compel many young women to pursue their dreams elsewhere. The situation also presents an obstacle to realising equal opportunities across Europe.
Europe’s rural areas are an important contributor to the economy and society. They play a vital role in feeding citizens through the food that they raise and grow, while conserving the natural beauty and rich diversity of our countryside. Creating new opportunities through technology helps breathe new life into Europe’s heartlands while empowering rural women. 
This is why the European Leadership Academy has created a programme like no other – The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation. The Academy’s second edition will bring together talented women from 20 different European rural areas to acquire the skills and tools needed to shape the digital age from the beauty of their own villages.

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The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation in Croatia

Our goal is to close the double divide - gender and urban-rural - that is preventing women in rural and depopulated areas from becoming the leaders that our world needs.
The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation presents a unique opportunity and learning experience and will take place in the heart of Croatia. Participants will have the chance to dialogue and learn from mentors and expert speakers drawn from across Europe. Together they will debate the most pressing issues facing women in rural areas and be encouraged to explore solutions that can deliver tangible results in their region. They will also act as strong examples and role models to other women in rural settings. 
 

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Programme

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Exploring entrepreneurialism in a rural setting. How to get your ideas off the ground – including securing funding, setting up an SME, overcoming challenges and seizing the opportunities that come your way.

MENTORSHIP

Learn from internationally renowned coaches who will inspire you to become a leader in your community – setting a long-term vision and inspiring others to follow your example.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Practice confidence-boosting techniques that will help you to pitch your ideas to secure funding, market access and collaborators. An invaluable life skill.

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES

Get first-hand experience of the technologies and innovations that exist and how they can be applied in your rural area and working life.

TEAMWORK

Collaborate with other participants and work together to deliver projects and drive your ideas forward.

WELLBEING

Learn basic breathing and meditation techniques that will increase your focus and creativity while also decreasing stress and anxiety.

Speakers

Our speakers and mentors are there to share their expertise and advice with you. Over five days, The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation will allow you to spend time with world-class leaders and to debate ideas and solutions to the challenges ahead. By brainstorming together, we want to unlock the role for technology in driving rural development and innovation and set you and your community on the road to a sustainable and dynamic future.
At the Farewell Gala at the end of the week, the outstanding participants will be recognised for their creativity and potential and the whole group will celebrate the beauty of sisterhood and empowerment together.

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Jury

Top applications will be reviewed by an independent team of experts — a distinguished Jury composed of inspiring technologists, Members of the European Parliament, former EU Commissioners, professors, business executives, sustainability champions and equality advocates from different European countries, as well as innovators driving change in rural communities. We are as passionate about their involvement in the selection process as they are about the environment that we are creating for you: an inspiring space where you can bond, network, and support each other, in line with the European spirit of cooperation and solidarity.

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FAQs

We are sure that you have many questions about The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation - both practical and relating to the programme. We will try to answer them here.

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Apply Today, Shape Tomorrow

The Women’s Academy for Rural Innovation will take place in Croatia from 17th to 22nd November 2024. Our full scholarship covers all programme expenses for the selected candidates, including all travel expenses, food, accommodation, etc. 
Applications are free of charge and take less than an hour to complete. We recommend starting them in advance to share the best of yourself and avoid technical issues. Adding a short video is key for those applicants who want to boost their chances of being selected. The 1-minute video message can be a simple recording made with a phone at home. The purpose is to get to know the prospective participant better and gain a deeper understanding of her motivation to join the Academy. 
There is nothing to lose, and a world of opportunity to gain!