The Minister for Rural Development, Michelle Gildernew MP MLA, recently attended a conference entitled, 'Championing Women' which was hosted by the Chief Executives' Forum and the Women Chief Executives' Group. The conference focused on key issues relating to gender equality.

The Minister praised the work of rural women and underlined her Department's commitment to supporting the role of women in rural areas.

She said: "Rural women play an important role in society. As well as contributing to the well-being of their families, rural women play a vital part in the development of rural economies. However, lack of economic opportunities, networks and training infrastructure can act as barriers to participation and pose a particular problem for women in rural areas."

Affirming her commitment to improving the quality of rural life, the Minster explained some of the steps her Department are looking at.

"For example', she stated, "there is the provision of accessible, affordable childcare facilities for people in rural communities which something that is long overdue. This is something that would not only make a positive impact on women, but on the economic, social and well being of all families with young children".

She told the conference that in June this year she began taking a fresh look at the question of rural childcare by founding a Rural Childcare Stakeholders' Group.

"Setting up the group was the first step towards more accessible childcare for rural families. I also hope the increased funding for rural life in the Programme for Government will help progress this goal."

The Stakeholders' Group will identify the main factors affecting access to childcare in rural areas, including special needs childcare, and consider ways to advance matters. A Report will also be produced, detailing current difficulties in childcare provision in rural areas, and recommendations will be made on how current and future provision can be improved.

Ms Gildernew also encouraged women to become actively involved in the 2007-2013 Rural Development Programme.

"The new Rural Development Programme 2007-2013 will endeavour to support initiatives that will offer women vocational training and re-skilling. Women can also make a positive and significant contribution by playing an active part in identifying what is needed at a local level.

"I am committed", she concluded, " to vibrant, sustainable, rural communities of which women are the backbone. Those who need further encouragement should get it from not only my Department but across government."