MUJERES RURALES Y ACCIONES AFIRMATIVAS EN PROGRAMAS DE DESARROLLO. EL PRODER 2, EN DOS TERRRITORIOS DE CASTILLA – LA MANCHA

Abstract

Studies from the perspective of gender in rural development programmes which include “horizontal" positive actions aimed at rural women, are rare. There is a need to generate knowledge concerned with effects of such programs on the participation and the situation of rural women, because the depopulation, and the decline in the female population that affects Spanish rural areas, is evident in the statistics. The purpose of this paper is to analyze from a gender perspective the results of two studies of evaluation PRODER 2 (2002-2006) in the Community of “Castilla-La Mancha”, Spain, focussing on affirmative action on the participation of women entrepreneurs and the creation of employment for women. It also aims to identify factors which favour or impede such participation and its impact on the setting of the population. The methodology included literature review and documentary surveys to members of Local Action Groups, beneficiaries, interviews and participatory workshops. The involvement of women both in decision-making process and as direct beneficiaries is poor. That puts into question the effectiveness of affirmative actions as horizontal measures in this program and its influence on the retention of the female population. Keywords: Rural Women rural development, gender, affirmative action, establishment of population