Rural Woman of the Year – Leader of the Year 2026

On the occasion of Erasmus Days 2026 and the International Day of Rural Women, the Slovak Rural Parliament, in cooperation with the municipality of Rišňovce and partners, is organising the 25th edition of the competition Rural Woman of the Year – Leader of the Year 2026.

The event is dedicated to recognising outstanding women active in rural areas of Slovakia who contribute to the development of their villages, communities and regions through their work, volunteering, entrepreneurship, public engagement, traditional crafts or farming. The competition highlights women who are natural leaders, bring positive change to their communities and inspire others through their everyday commitment.

The event will include a conference, the announcement of the competition results and a networking/social programme. It will also provide space to promote the values of the Erasmus+ programme, especially civic engagement, lifelong learning, intergenerational learning, inclusion, support for rural communities and the active participation of women in public life.

In 2026, special attention will also be given to women farmers, highlighting the important role of women in agriculture, landscape care, food production and the sustainable development of rural areas.

The aim of the event is to connect local experience with European values and to show that rural communities are an important part of the European space for cooperation, learning and solidarity.