Matera (Italy): women's opportunities in rural areas

The European seminar organised by MCL and EFAL studied the lack of employment opportunities for women in rural areas as a decisive factor in depopulation. It was held in the city of Matera, in the south of Italy, with the participation of specialists from several countries.

The seminar was organised by MCL and EFAL, with the support of Fondazione Europa Popolare and EZA, with EU funding and within the framework of the activities of the IPCM. It was held between 24 and 26 February 2025.

Alfonso Luzzi (MCL President), Piergiorgio Sciacqua (EZA Co-President and IPCM Vice-President), Antonio di Matteo, Francisco Domínguez (CEAT and member of the IPCM Board of Directors) participated, together with a group of delegates from several countries.

The central point is to guarantee rural women the employment, economic and social opportunities that are due to them. There is a double migration movement: rural families emigrating to cities and even to other countries; and foreign immigrants coming to European villages to fill much-needed jobs.

The Spanish Carmen Quintanilla, president of AFAMMER and a recognised expert in the field, said: “Rural development, the fight against depopulation and the progress of Europe depend on ensuring that women in rural areas have access to employment, entrepreneurship and equality.”