Kheiron Module 3

Rural areas present structural conditions that deepen gender inequalities: less access to services, transport, education, decent employment and institutional support networks. These constraints particularly affect women, girls and LGTBIQ+ people, who often face more rigid patriarchal structures and increased social surveillance. In rural settings, gender challenges are compounded by factors such as geographic isolation, scarcity of public services and the persistence of more rigid patriarchal structures. Key characteristics of gender challenges in rural areas: Female migration to urban centres: leaving behind highly masculinised or ageing communities. Lack of female role models in community leadership: or in non-traditional sectors such as technology, politics or entrepreneurship. A pronounced sexual division of labour: women tend to take on domestic work, care for the elderly or small family farms without pay or recognition. Feminisation of care: they not only care for their families, but also for their communities, but this does not translate into decision-making power. Unequal access to land and property: many rural women work the land but have no legal rights to it. Limited mobility: lack of public transport or family leave limits access to training or external networks. Low representation in community participation: despite being very present in everyday life, women are under- represented in cooperatives, agricultural associations and local decision-making bodies. Practical example for understanding gender challenges in rural areas Carmen, 17 years old, lives in a village of 400 inhabitants. Her environment expects her to work at home and take care of her sick grandmother. Through mentoring, she discovers VET programmes in renewable energy, but does not dare to talk to her family. The mentor can work on communication skills, strengthen her self-esteem and look for ways of local support without creating abrupt breaks. Reduced access to basic resources: such as health care, sexual and reproductive health education or institutional support. Strong pressure to fulfil traditional roles: such as household care or unpaid agricultural work. 06