The Invisible Backbone: Investigating The Role of Rural Women in Western Balkans Through a Mixed-Methods Approach

Abstract

Examining the multifaceted roles of rural women in the Western Balkans, this research explores their contributions to agriculture, entrepreneurship, and social cohesion while addressing challenges such as limited resources, gender inequalities, and infrastructural gaps. Employing a mixed-methods approach—combining qualitative methods (interviews, focus groups) with quantitative analysis (a survey of 2,214 rural women across six Western Balkan countries/territories)—the study applies the Alkire Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index to analyze cross-country data. Key areas of focus include women's decision-making in production, access to land and credit, and unpaid labor. The findings provide evidence-based policy recommendations to enhance rural women’s leadership and economic opportunities, supporting governments and organizations in fostering inclusive rural development.