Feminist Fund for
Rural Areas

Tackling the issue of women’s empowerment in rural areas

In France, nearly 22 million people live in rural communities, half of whom are women. While these areas account for 88% of the country’s municipalities, the women who live there face specific challenges: distance from public services, limited access to healthcare, few job opportunities, lack of childcare options, and restricted mobility. These geographical difficulties are compounded by gender inequalities, creating a double vulnerability.

This situation has concrete consequences for their autonomy. Many express a feeling of economic insecurity and see their career paths hampered, while geographical isolation makes it more difficult to access information, rights, and support mechanisms, particularly for those facing violence. In this context, their ability to take action and undertake initiatives locally deserves to be recognized and supported.

To address these issues, the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation has created the Feminist Fund for Rural Areas. Inspired by its commitment to women in working-class neighborhoods, this fund provides financial support to small associations founded by and for women in rural areas. It seeks to strengthen their autonomy, promote female leadership, reduce isolation, expand access to employment, essential services and rights, and help prevent violence.

Through tailored support for small local organizations, the Feminist Fund for Rural Areas aims to give rural women a voice and contribute to more supportive, dynamic, and egalitarian communities.