Empowering Rural Resilience in Spain: WIPO's Initiative for Women Artisans in Spain's Abandoned Landscapes

In response to the challenge of rural depopulation, commonly referred to as 'emptied Spain,' the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has initiated a groundbreaking project aimed at empowering women artisans in these regions.

The project aims to empower women artisans in rural Spain by providing them with essential skills and knowledge in intellectual property (IP) protection and management. Through training and expert guidance from WIPO and its partners, women participants will gain valuable insights into safeguarding their creative works and leveraging IP rights to enhance their economic prospects.

In collaboration with the Escuela de Organización Industrial - Public Foundation attached to the Spanish Ministry of Industry and Tourism -, and with the support of the General Directorate of Industrial Culture, Intellectual Property and Cooperation (DGICPIC) of the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (OEPM), the WIPO project aims to revitalize local economies and address the socioeconomic challenges faced by rural communities.

Over the past century, rural areas in Spain have experienced a substantial 30% decrease in population, as detailed by research conducted by Vicente Pinilla and Luis Antonio Sáez from the Centre for Studies on Depopulation and Development of Rural Areas (CEDDAR). Termed "España Vaciada" or "Emptied Spain," this phenomenon has resulted in 53% of the national territory being inhabited by a mere 5% of the population, leading to economic stagnation and cultural decline in affected regions. Many young people have migrated to other areas, particularly to coastal cities like Barcelona and Valencia, as well as the capital, Madrid, or abroad.

As rural populations decline, there's a risk of losing the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship that define these regions. WIPO recognizes the significant contribution of women artisans to Spain's cultural identity and is committed to supporting them in preserving and promoting their unique artistic expressions.

In the first phase of the project, WIPO and its collaborators are inviting applications from women artisans in rural areas to participate in a capacity-building program focused on IP protection and management. This initiative aims to equip over 30 participants with the necessary tools to navigate the complexities of IP rights and unlock new opportunities for economic growth.

By focusing on women artisans, WIPO's initiative acknowledges the crucial role that women play in the social and economic fabric of rural communities. Often marginalized and disproportionately affected by depopulation, women artisans possess valuable skills and knowledge essential for the sustainable development of their regions.

Through collaborative efforts with local authorities, and educational institutions, WIPO's project underscores the importance of collective action in addressing the challenges facing rural areas. By harnessing the power of intellectual property rights, this initiative offers a promising pathway to economic empowerment and cultural preservation for Spain's rural communities.

Background

The Coordination of Developed Countries (CDC) Team of the Division for Transition and Developed Countries (TDC), in collaboration with the Escuela de Organization Industrial - EOI, and with the support of the Directorate of Cultural Industries, Intellectual Property, and Cooperation (DGICPIC) of the Spanish Ministry of Culture and Sports, and the Spanish Patents and Trademarks Office (OEPM) has initiated the project entitled 'IP for Women Artisans in Rural Areas in Spain'. The project was launched in March 2024 and aims to support over 30 women artisans in rural areas, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge in intellectual property (IP) protection and management to increase the value of their creations and productions in their business strategies.

In view of implementing WIPO’s policy on gender equality and the Organization’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), several initiatives have been developed to help women entrepreneurs enhance their skills and knowledge on IP protection and management. Among them, RNDS Projects on IP and Women Entrepreneurs, IP and Women in STEM, and IP and Traditional Producers raised an interest in Spain in developing a Project for women in rural areas.