• The awards acknowledge innovative rural women and initiatives promoting shared parental leave.
• The deadline for the submission of applications is 31 October 2025.

The European project GRASS CEILING, in which CIHEAM Zaragoza participates as a partner, has launched the call for applications for two international awards that aim to showcase and support gender equality in the rural areas of Europe.

These awards highlight essential contributions to an equal and prosperous future for the rural world, giving a voice to those driving change as well as those providing fundamental support for a genuinely inclusive environment.

The Rural Women Innovators Award (RUWI) celebrates and empowers women who drive socio-ecological innovation in rural areas. It aims to increase the number of women-led innovations in agriculture, the rural economy and rural communities, enhancing sustainability, inclusion, and well-being.

The Parental Leave Champions Award (PARCA) recognises the fundamental role played by men and organisations that challenge stereotypes, combat stigmas, and strengthen rural societies through more equitable parental leave strategies.

The award aims to support gender equality by showcasing positive examples of shared caregiving responsibilities, supportive workplaces, and community initiatives that facilitate inclusive spaces for innovative women and their families in rural communities.

The deadline for both awards expires on 31 October 2025. The winning projects will be presented at the GRASS CEILING Final Showcase Event, to be held in Brussels on 3 and 4 December 2025.

CIHEAM Zaragoza, as a GRASS CEILING partner, reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the participation and visibility of innovative rural women and to promoting initiatives that advance gender equality across Europe.

📅 Deadline for applications: 31 October 2025
ℹ️ Click here for more information and application forms: https://www.grassceiling.eu/awards