TIRANA, March  8  /ATA/ The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Frida Krifca, on Wednesday held a meeting with women and representatives of rural realities from every corner of Albania in the framework of March 8.

During this meeting held in the lobby of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Krifca said that, “many consider that agriculture and work in the countryside are activities that belong to men. But I am convinced that the backbone of rural life are women.”

She said that, “according to USAID, today in the world 60-80% of food supply is guaranteed by women. Yet again, more is demanded of us women. Yet we are struggling to take our role in decision-making, suffice it to say that over 90% of the Ministers of Agriculture in Europe are men.”

Krifca stated that, “titanic efforts have been made by the socialist force through legal changes, introduction of gender equality quotas, enabling more women’s participation in politics, representation in decision-making, in local and central government, transforming Albania into the second country in the world with the highest representation of women in governance.”

The minister emphasized that, “to expand the representation of women in business and entrepreneurship, we have introduced policies that give priority to rural women. IPARD program has supported 137 women farmers with a budget of 24 million euros.”

Krifca said that behind the “Made in Albania” certified products are women’s hands and their care.

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