The role of women in the development of the rural areas of Kosovo: evidence from Skenderaj municipality

Subject and purpose work: The study analysed the role of women in the development of the rural areas of the municipality of Skenderaj and its agriculture. Despite the fact that the women in agriculture in this municipality are highly influential and contribute to its economic development, gender equality in the area is not at the desired level. Materials and methods: The study is based on primary and secondary sources and it aims to describe the state of the women’s rural society in the municipality of Skenderaj and the women’s role in decisionmaking at the local and national levels. Results: The results of this study show that in the Government of the Republic of Kosovo gives priority to women farmers in its agricultural policies. The support could be seen as the offer of good employment opportunities since women are the most vulnerable part of society in Kosovo. Furthermore, the support given to the women engaged in agriculture will help the agricultural sector to improve productivity, efficiency, and efficacy through a better and faster connection of producers with the market. It will also help to promote a new way of monitoring and ensuring thar agricultural products are in compliance with the set standards. Conclusions: The study confirms that the women in the municipality of Skendraj make substantial contributions to agriculture and rural enterprises. There is a wide diversity in women roles and any overgeneralisation undermines the importance and planning of policies.