Margó Batthyány-Schmit, President of the Union of Hungarian Women Association shared her experience in social protection programs, furthermore, she provided a greater insight on problems women face in agriculture and social status. She also offered NGO partnership in various activites for the future.
We heard Her Excellency, Ambassador Dr. Zsuzsanna Horváth who highlighted the importance of the work of NGOs, the importance of infrastructure and the accessibility of public services to provide specific support to ladies in the countryside.
We watched the video message from the Ministry of Culture and Innovation, and Mrs. Ágnes Hornung, State Secretary for Families talked about the importance of how families are the hearts of the services in Hungary regarding social protection services including the variety of available options in order to protect families. She also highlighted that the government countinously works on guaranteeing equal opportunities to support a family friendly country.
Moreover, we watched the video message from the Maria Kopp Institute for Demography and Familes Hungary (KINCS). Dr. Árpád Mészáros, Vice-President for Strategy and Coordination provided information about what they believe is key for success related to gender equality. He highlighted the work-life balance which should be protected, supported while emphasizing the utmost importance of education and digitalization.
Mrs. Dono Abdurazakova, Senior Gender and Social Protection Specialist from FAO’s Regional Office for Europe and Central-Asia, provided a very comprehensive information about examples coming from different countries, different regions – we heard best practices from Western-Balkan countries, and from Üzbegistan as well. She shared information about the free online documentations targeting ladies in rural areas and supporting institutions too.
Mrs. Francesca Gironi, Member of the Women’s Committee in the World Farmer Organization and COPA-COGECA Member, talked about how innovation is a very important element of success in order to support women in rural areas and in social protection mechanism. Furthermore, she highlighted that social protection policies cannot only enhance resilience but also contribute to reducing food insecurity and activites fostering sustaniable development in rural areas.
Mrs. Andrea Fodor, President of FOCENOSZ, Szolnok shared their best practices on providing opportunities by involving local businesses to support women in various topics such as gender equaility.
Dr. Maria Symeounidou, EU Projects Coordinator shared valueble information about Granting Access to Employment & Entrepreneurship in Agriculture for women (GAEA) Project. Hopefully, many women will be able to use the free digital platform including materials available in 11 languages.
The last speaker was Csenge Offenbächer, former Youth Delegate of Hungary to the UN in 2023. She provided information from the perspective of youth on women around the globe, highlighting the fact that political participation is a must to contribute to better infrastructure. Healthcare support and education are key elements in supporting women in the countryside in order to provide a stable protcetion system including innovation and technological change.
