War in Ukraine, the climate crisis and the dwindling of natural resources are forcing societies to transform their food systems and change policies to greener ones. For this change to be effective, all citizens must participate. As food sovereignty and green agriculture activist Ewa Sufin-Jaquemart points out, rural women, including those working in agriculture, represent an extremely important potential for the introduction of green policies in rural areas. However, it is essential to support these women, including in building a sense of agency, organisational skills and overcoming gender-related socio-cultural barriers.

Despite major societal changes, stereotypical perceptions of rural and urban women are still widespread. With this project, we want to break down these stereotypes and increase urban-rural cooperation in the area of food. The project is primarily aimed at activists or women aspiring to take action in food policy-making.

The direct beneficiaries are 24 women aged 20-50. Half are women from rural areas and the other half are urban residents. We are building their competence and a sense of agency and influence in shaping local food policies. As part of the project, we organise meetings of the participants, offer workshops and encourage micro-projects to implement in pairs: an urban resident and a rural resident. Through the project, participants will increase their knowledge and awareness of climate change and the related food system. Additionally, they will strengthen their sense of agency and learn how to shape local food policies.