On July 7-9, 2025, representatives from the Croatian Grass Ceiling Living Lab visited the European Parliament in Strasbourg. The visit aimed to promote gender equality and highlight the role of women innovators in rural areas.
The trip was organised in collaboration with the Croatian Chamber of Agriculture and the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Zagreb. A key supporter of this initiative was European Parliament member Marko Vešligaj, who is a member of the Committee on Women’s Rights and Gender Equality in the European Parliament, as well as a substitute in the Committee on Agriculture. The Croatian Living Lab reached out last year to Mr. Vešligaj to advocate for the interests of women in rural communities at the EU level and to facilitate this important visit.
The delegation included representatives from the Living Lab and over 40 women from various regions, who had the opportunity to exchange experiences and perspectives during their stay in Strasbourg. This visit provided an excellent platform for participants to familiarise themselves with the workings of the European Parliament and to discuss critical issues related to women’s empowerment, particularly those of female innovators and sustainable development leaders in rural Croatia.
This event was not only a valuable networking opportunity but also a step toward strengthening support for women in rural innovation sectors across Europe. The initiative underscores the importance of gender equality in fostering sustainable development and innovation in rural communities.
