Galdames hosted an event focused on entrepreneurship and generational succession for rural women, with the participation of counselor Amaia Barredo. The conference, held at Torre Loizaga on the occasion of the International Day of Rural Women, gathered women linked to the primary sector and rural areas to share their experiences and reflect on future challenges.
Under the title ‘Emprender con identidad. Historias de mujeres y relevo generacional’ (Entrepreneurship with identity. Stories of women and generational succession), the event featured Amaia Barredo, the Basque Government's Minister of Food, Rural Development, Agriculture, and Fisheries. The gathering analyzed the careers and experiences of women from various fields of activity, with a special emphasis on their role in the continuity of rural farms and activities.
Minister Barredo highlighted that "the experiences of rural women show the diversity of activities and projects that coexist in our towns. Knowing these careers allows us to understand different ways of undertaking, collaborating, and ensuring the continuity of activities in rural areas".
The conference focused on the diverse activities undertaken by women in rural areas, ranging from agri-food production to services and care. Through experiences from different regions of the Basque Country, the event addressed their contribution to the daily life of towns and the various ways of starting businesses, ensuring continuity, and combining tradition with innovation.
The event included two round tables where six women shared their careers. The first, dedicated to innovation and rural entrepreneurship, featured Estibaliz Trevilla (Bearka and Haztegia Enkarterri), Ziortza Llano (Tipi Tapa), and Maider Unda (Atxeta Gazta and Olympic wrestling medalist). The second table focused on associative work, with participants including Maider Lopetegi (Arriolatxiki Rural Tourism and Fruitel), Ana Eizagirre (Urkome and HITZEZ), and Rakel González (Chocolates Kaitxo).
In the discussion on associative work, the role of associations, proximity networks with neighbors, and collaboration between companies were analyzed. The relationship of these networks with generational succession, mutual support, and unwanted loneliness was also addressed, with particular attention to their significance for rural women.
Generational succession was another central theme. The audiovisual piece ‘Emakumeak Landa Eremuan. Con los pies en la tierra’ (Women in Rural Areas. With their feet on the ground) was screened, featuring testimonials from nine rural women from the Basque Country. These testimonials led into dialogue sessions where the continuity of activities and the adoption of new working methods were a common thread.
At the end of the event, attendees enjoyed a tasting of zero-kilometer products from local producers in Enkarterri.
