On March 7, 2025, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the 15th annual national exhibition of decorated Easter eggs – Vandrovalo vajce – was officially inaugurated at the Cultural House in Veľký Klíž, a picturesque village in northwestern Slovakia. This vibrant exhibition showcases traditional craftsmanship, presenting diverse techniques used in decorating Easter eggs and reinforcing the preservation of folk traditions.

Accompanying this cultural event, the "Women and Rural Areas " conference convened with over 60 participants, focusing on the vital role of women in rural communities and their contributions to regional development. A central theme of the discussions revolved around fostering collaboration and networking, highlighting both opportunities and challenges in this sphere, along with successful case studies illustrating best practices in rural development.

The conference emphasized the many advantages of rural living, including environmental benefits, a strong sense of community, proximity to nature, agritourism, and the rich tradition of handicrafts.

Networking and knowledge-sharing played a pivotal role, as participants exchanged experiences and formed new connections. Expert speakers led insightful discussions on sustainability, community engagement and innovative rural initiatives, inspiring attendees to explore new ways of cooperation and strengthen rural networks.

Through cooperation and active participation, rural women continue to play an essential role in preserving traditions, driving innovation, and shaping a sustainable future for their communities.

Get Involved – Your Opinion Matters!

A special survey developed within PoliruralPlus project was launched during the event, aiming to assess the evolution of Slovak rural areas following the COVID-19 pandemic, evaluate the implementation of the Vision for a More Attractive Rural Areas developed within previous Polirural project, and analyse the dynamic linkages between rural and urban regions. The insights gathered from stakeholders will contribute to an ongoing dialogue about the future and will be instrumental for shaping policies suggestions.