Empowering women with 💗

"Taking part to EW4RD was an amazing experience. If I had to choose a word to describe it, I would say inspirational. As a young future entrepreneur who wants to contribute to the local rural development, it was very inspiring being with people - especially young women- who had already implemented and developed successful stories and examples of rural development and related business. Actual visiting the rural areas instead of reading of them, was crucial for the full understanding and the full immersion into the topic. Above all, what I will take with me are the people I have met, their stories, the valuable networks and the common values shared."

"I participated in both LTTA's and felt very lucky to be part of them. Being able to witness the success stories of women entrepreneurs in different contexts and fields was very inspirational. I will share these stories to help and motivate others. They will further create a base to develop new projects in the area."

"Joining the EW4RD was very special and extremely interesting. Before our departure I wasn’t sure what my expectations were, however, this experience was nothing short of amazing. The balance between the workshops and the activities was just ideal and overall, these blended into each other very well. I enjoyed the topics discussed and the activities we did in groups, which gave us a practical sense of aspects of entrepreneurship such as a business plan, communication styles and the funding aspect of it. Visiting Vikingu Kaimas was fascinating and just an experience for all the senses. To see the rural side of Lithuania and to see the business that Judita and her family have built was most certainly inspiring. Coming to Kaunas was definitely a highlight and an experience one does not easily forget."

"I feel very lucky and grateful being part of the EW4RD project and had the chance to visit Lithuania. I've just started my own business and it's motivational, inspirational to see how other women entrepreneurs in the rural areas succeed with their business ideas. To gain experience in a foreign country also highlights that often we have the same struggles in our business (and/or private) life, but also teaches us new methods to conquer the obstacles. The presentations of the workshop were interesting and useful, I'm sure that I can use some part of them in my business thinking. Visiting local businesses in the rural areas and municipality of a rural town and meeting women entrepreneurs were instructive and exciting. Overall I can say that this whole journey will charge me for a long time to reach success in my own business."

"Being part of the EW4RD project was a really great experience. We all had the chance to visit Lithuania, to grow our network and met entrepreneur (especially women) that already start their own business in rural areas. Visiting the areas surrounding Kaunas, gave us the opportunity to feel the territory and understand the vision of development that is desired for these rural areas. Meeting other people from different places, hearing their stories and taking inspiration from them will certainly be very helpful for the development of our business idea. After all, I can say that the experience in Lithuania was inspiring and enriching from a cultural, social and human point of view."

"I was amazed by the whole experience. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to be a part of this project. Despite being a very peaceful place, Lithuania is full of entrepreneurs. I was amazed by the collaboration within those communities and by the fact that you could feel the spirit of the young people. Every part of this event was exciting for me, especially the meeting in Kaisiadorys. Kaisiadorys and my hometown are very alike. So I am very familiar with the problems that our municipalities face every day. The passion which I could see in these young people there was really inspirational."

"These two LTTA meetings were an amazing opportunity for me to experience how women entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds working in a variety of different sectors in local areas have set up their own businesses. Their stories are all impressive for me since most of them are traditionally well-connected within their communities, and are often in charge of raising future generations. Moreover, they employ other women and, thereby, expand their own economic empowerment. They also tend to create female-friendly working environments, and their products or services often take into account women’s needs as well. As a woman it is something really proud of for me. Considering this, bringing more women to social entrepreneurship is a key factor in contributing to a more equal society and to development that is inherently sustainable. I strongly believe such kind of projects and LTTA meetings are really meaningful to empower such a social community for the sake of women entrepreneurs especially in rural areas."

"It was a great pleasure for me to participate in the learning training activities of the EW4RD project. Since I'm just entering the world of work, it was inspirational for me to meet successful women and learn from them. But I also learned a lot of new skills while attending the very interesting workshops that the organizers set up for us, especially those regarding personal and professional development and personal branding (I'm sure they'll be very useful for my future career). Furthermore, to know and understand that everyone and every business idea can be successful boosted my confidence and gave me the right energy to pursue my dreams. Finally, according to me one of the best part of the training was getting the chance to visit Lithuania and meet all the participants: everyone has had a great impact on me and I'm grateful for this!"

"The chance of visiting Lithuania and attending the EW4RD project meeting was once in a lifetime opportunity. A unique chance to meet so many resourceful and experienced people in this field. Every lecturer who took part in the 2nd LTTA gave its own perspective. The meetings on site with young and successful entrepreneurs were motivating and inspiring. I left Lithuania full of hope and practical advices. The 2nd LTTA in one sentence: “An invaluable source of information”."

"I had the honor to take part in the activities in Sicily, where we had the unique opportunity to meet with the local authorities and entrepreneurs in rural areas. It was really useful and related with the subject of the project, which gave us really good idea how the women in Sicily have possibility to succeed and which are the challenges that they have in front of them when chasing with rural activities and small business ideas. We had time to share thoughts and experiences and to enrich our knowledge, which could help us when we disseminate the information to our local women entrepreneurs as well as giving them some good practices. I’m happy that our team had the possibility to participate."