This study on the position of rural women in selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries is a first attempt to analyze the socio-economic status of rural women in the European countries in transition, and to highlight the similarities and differences between CEE and other European countries.
The study of transition economies has attracted great interest from economists all over the world. Large numbers of conferences and symposia have been held on different issues in regards to the transition over the past half decade. However, little attention has been given to analyzing how these changes are affecting marginal areas, such as rural communities and minority social groups, including rural women. In CEE countries (as in other European countries) the rural population accounts for up to 50 percent of the total population, and more than half of these are women. Rural women play an important role in rural development in these economies, and due to the increasing migration of men to urban areas, they represent one of the most important human resources for the socio-economic development of rural areas. Within this context, understanding the position of rural women in the economy, the community, and the household is crucial. Informed knowledge of women's needs, the factors that hinder or foster their full participation, and the way in which the transition process is affecting their socioeconomic position is important in order to enhance the living conditions of the rural population.
This study attempts to present a clear picture of the economic position of rural women in ten Central and Eastern European countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Bulgaria. The study represents ethnographic aspects of the socio-economic position of rural women. Austria, Ireland and Finland were used as reference countries to which the position of women in the selected Central and Eastern European countries was compared. The study is based on desk-research and, although many statistical indicators were lacking, the study nevertheless should serve to provide a better understanding of the situation of rural women in transforming rural economies.
For the purposes of this study, the term "rural areas" is based on national definitions, which substantially differ among the countries under consideration. In addition, since the statistical analysis presented relies on published statistical sources, no attempt has been made to distinguish women working on farms from women who are resident in rural areas and are involved in or working in secondary or tertiary occupations. Both categories of women constitute the target group of this study. This approach may weaken the analysis of variables, such as women's education level, training, extension, health care and social security systems, the implications of which should be taken into account when making evaluations and/or policy recommendations for countries under consideration, whether Central and Eastern European or reference countries.
In spite of the statistical limitations, the study highlights the position of rural women and the similarities and differences in these conditions among countries, as well as providing data which reflect the position of rural women at the national level. Furthermore, the study serves as a valuable reference point that enables further research on the findings presented, being one of the first attempts to contribute to the understanding of complex socio-economic issues of rural/farm women in the transforming Central and Eastern European countries.
This study has been undertaken in line with FAO's programme of assistance to Member Nations, and in particular to countries in transition, in order to raise awareness of the factors hindering rural women's full participation in, and benefits from, rural development in the region.
Tea Petrin
Senior Officer, Rural Development
Regional Office for Europe/FAO
