Women make up half of the world's population, yet they continue to face structural challenges that unfairly prevent them from unleashing their full potential. In addition, in rural areas, women face a double obstacle, which is why Huawei has created the Women's Academy for Rural Innovation, an institution in which talented women from 15 European rural areas come together to acquire the skills and tools necessary to promote the digital age from the rural areas in which they live.

Every year, on October 15, Europe and the world celebrate Rural Women's Day. On the occasion of this special date, Huawei brings the first Women's Academy for Rural Innovation in Europe to Castilla y León, the largest region in Spain and Europe.

Berta Herrero, Director of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion at Huawei Europe and Director of the Academy, said: "Women are essential to achieving an inclusive and robust digital transition. However, in rural areas they face a double problem: in addition to the gender gap, they also need to overcome the urban-rural gap. This last challenge is an obstacle to equal opportunities throughout the European Union. For that reason, we have created the Women's Academy for Rural Innovation, following the numerous initiatives of female empowerment, digital inclusion, and talent development that we have successfully developed in recent years. This unique and innovative programme is designed to empower talented women from rural Europe to acquire the skills needed to shape digital transformation from the beauty of their own villages. Our aim is to definitively close the double gap that prevents women in rural and depopulated areas from becoming the leaders our world needs, and to make it easier for rural Europe to benefit from the endless opportunities offered by digitalisation."

Tony Jin Yong, Huawei's senior representative to the EU institutions, highlights that: "Huawei has been in Europe for 22 years. It is an integral part of the region's innovation ecosystem and is a reliable partner in the green and digital transitions. In 2021, Huawei ranked second in the EU Industrial R&D Investment Scoreboard. With R&D in our DNA, and our determination to leave no one behind in the digital age, we pay special attention to rural areas. Huawei strongly supports talent development and digital inclusion."

The 15 participants – each from a different EU Member State – will be selected by an independent jury and will receive a full scholarship to join the programme. Candidates should be of working age, live in a rural area, and wish to create a positive impact and take advantage of new technologies to foster economic growth at the local level. This project will focus in particular on entrepreneurship and the use of new technologies in rural areas. It also covers the digitalisation of SMEs and the keys to accessing finance and ensuring the sustainability of businesses, exploring the potential offered by the latest innovations for a greener future. The program moves away from the traditional "classroom style" and delves into the different aspects of new technologies and the immense potential that innovation brings to rural areas, especially those at risk of depopulation. An innovative, enriching, and engaging concept that combines high-level discussions with targeted mentoring.

This edition of the Women's Academy for Rural Innovation of 2022 will take place between October 23 and 28 in different locations in Castilla y León, including the Parador de Gredos and Candeleda. Applications are open until September 27.

About the European Leadership Academy:

The European Leadership Academy offers unique school concepts. The Schools of Women's Leadership in the Digital Age explore the intersection between technology, politics and economics, with a strong equality component. They equip the women of tomorrow with the skills needed to be at the forefront of digital transformation. They offer a platform for outstanding students and young professionals to discuss first-hand with global thought leaders, policy makers and business executives at a decisive stage in their careers. Its innovative, enriching and engaging concept combines high-level discussions with mentoring dedicated to future leaders, moving away from the traditional "classroom style" to awaken young minds. You can learn more about the European Leadership Academy here.