Women from Rēzekne Municipality actively cooperate with other European countries.

Active women from the Rēzekne Municipality have joined the international European Union project "Village Power!" ("Ciema spēks!"), which brings together representatives from eight countries: Spain, Italy, Portugal, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia, and Cyprus. The project aims to provide opportunities for the exchange of experience and to organize creative workshops and seminars designed to strengthen the knowledge and skills of rural women, enabling them to become active drivers of change in their communities.

In March of this year, the project participants traveled to Segovia, Spain, where they took part in discussions with the project initiators—the non-governmental organization "FEMUR" (Federación de la Mujer Rural), which has been supporting rural Spanish women for over 30 years by helping to develop digital skills, entrepreneurship, and an eco-conscious mindset. FEMUR also provides support programs for women facing economic hardship or domestic violence, offering practical solutions and opportunities for personal growth.

One of the project participants—Daila Ekimāne, a project manager for the Nautrēni Association—explained: "During the meeting, the program for the next two years was finalized. Participants presented their respective countries and regions. The agenda was designed to foster mutual acquaintance and to gather ideas for other potential projects. Participants also had the opportunity to enjoy the historic city of Segovia, a UNESCO World Heritage site."

Working in an international project team helps develop the ability to collaborate with people from diverse cultures and to adapt to the requirements of the team and the project. Such projects are highly valuable—they provide new knowledge, ideas, and experience that can be applied both to planning municipal work and to organizing local community activities.

The next meeting will take place in late May in Kaunas, Lithuania, where project participant and gardener Daina Zvejsalniece from Rogovka will take part in discussions on women's participation in decision-making and the promotion of green thinking within local communities.

In a year’s time, project participants from across Europe will visit the Rēzekne Municipality, where they will learn about the work of rural women, take part in practical workshops, and share experiences in order to jointly build stronger and more sustainable communities.

Europe is changing, and rural women are the driving force behind these changes!

Information prepared by Inta Rimšāne, External Relations Coordinator for the Rēzekne Municipality.

For reference: For information: the project "Village Verve! Women at the Forefront of Climate and Development" (No. 101192012, CERV-2024-CITIZENS-TOWN-NT) is 100% funded by the European Union’s "Citizens, Equality, Rights and Values" programme. Project implementation period: 01.01.2025–31.12.2026.