International Day of Rural Women

Every 15 October, the International Day of Rural Women shines a spotlight on those who play an essential role in the present and future of our rural communities. This date invites us not only to recognize their contribution, but also to address one of the major challenges facing rural areas: employment opportunities and improved access to services that enable people to build the life they want wherever they choose to live.

At Fundación Mapfre, this commitment is also part of our responsibility as an Intermediate Body of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). In this capacity, we promote the +Rural Grants, which fund projects carried out entirely in rural communities with fewer than 30,000 inhabitants.

The second call for applications for the +Rural Grants, launched in 2025, had a budget of €18 million and was aimed at fostering new opportunities in rural Spain through job market integration, improved access to health and social care services, and training in the care sector.

These areas are particularly relevant for rural women. Employment and care are closely linked to a person’s ability to stay in their local area and build professional and personal opportunities.

The +Rural Grants are part of the ESF+ Program for Social Inclusion, Child Guarantee and the Fight Against Poverty. Following the second call for applications, Fundación Mapfre has a budget of €23.9 million for the 2021–2027 period, of which €5.2 million is coming from Fundación Mapfre’s own funds.

This funding supports projects run by third-sector organizations and social economy entities in three key areas: integration pathways to help vulnerable people in rural areas access employment opportunities; access to health and social care services, support services and long-term care; and training for professionals in the health and social care sectors.

On the International Day of Rural Women, we want to reaffirm a fundamental principle: where a woman chooses to live should not determine the opportunities available to her.

Promoting employment, training and services in our rural communities means investing in their future. Working alongside organizations that have an in-depth understanding of each different region enables us to turn European funding into real opportunities for people.