Rural life sustained by all: Anabel’s reflections following a March of voice and earth
March has been a month of action, of words and of deep-rooted values. A month in which the voices of many women from rural areas have resonated louder than ever, reminding us of something essential: the countryside cannot sustain itself alone; it is sustained by all of us together. Here at La Jaira de Ana, this month has been an opportunity to share, learn and also to pause and reflect. Because behind every rural project there is hard work, history, community… and, very often, women who make it all possible. Today we want to share Anabel’s reflections following a March full of meetings, interviews and conversations that have left a lasting impression on us. March interviews Over the past month, we’ve had the opportunity to take part in various events that have highlighted the role of women in rural communities, conscious entrepreneurship, and the importance of raising the profile of authentic projects. Here’s the interview with RTVE, in which we discuss entrepreneurship, hard work, and the value of women in rural areas. In this interview, we share how La Jaira de Ana came about, the challenges of starting a business in the countryside, and the importance of building projects with a purpose, where sustainability is not just a label, but a way of life. We are also part of this initiative that highlights the role of rural women in the Canary Islands, championing the countryside as a safe, dignified and violence-free space. A necessary, genuine message that still needs to be amplified further. You can view the ‘Sustainable Rurality, Built by All’ campaign here. Social media and the role of the countryside: How can we bring the countryside to screens around the world? On the Ponte al Día programme, we discussed something that is becoming increasingly important: how to communicate the rural world in the digital age. Social media has become a key tool for: Showing the reality of the countryside without filters Giving visibility to authentic rural projects Connecting with people seeking a more mindful life Bringing the land closer to those who live far from it Sharing what we do is not just about communicating; it is also about raising awareness. What does ‘Sustaining Rural Life’ really mean? Sustaining rural life is not just about farming the land or looking after animals. It goes much deeper than that. It means keeping alive the values, traditions and knowledge passed down from generation to generation. It means embracing a way of life that is slower, more respectful and more connected to the environment. But it also means providing emotional support, offering companionship and building community. Rural life cannot be sustained in isolation. It is sustained: Through networks Collectively Often by women Through care, not haste In projects such as La Jaira de Ana, sustaining rural life means opening our doors, sharing what we do, and allowing others to experience the countryside in a genuine way. The impact of the campaign ‘Sustaining rural life together’ This month has not been just about words; it has also been about impact. The campaign has served to bring necessary conversations to the table and to remind us that the rural world has a voice… and has a lot to say. Three lessons from this March 1. Visibility is essential What is not seen does not exist. And the rural world needs to be told from within, with authenticity, without idealising it but also without making it invisible. 2. The countryside is also about innovation Entrepreneurship in rural areas is not about looking to the past; it is about building the future. It is about combining tradition with new ways of communicating, producing and connecting. 3. Community is everything No rural project stands alone. Behind it all are networks, support, collaboration and many hands working together. Rural life is collective or it is not. March leaves us with the feeling that we are on the right track, but also with the responsibility to keep sharing, educating and building. Because sustaining rural life is not just a slogan. It is a daily commitment. And, above all, it is something we all do together. 📍 Find out more about our activities and experiences at La Jaira de Ana