Women Who Bring Life to the Countryside

At an altitude of 1,500 metres, surrounded by mountains and fresh, clean air, Jelena Vujičić from Bijelo Polje begins every morning by caring for her goats. Her farm is currently home to 24 dairy goats and eight young kids, whose milk is transformed into cheese, yoghurt, and whey—products that Jelena and her husband make themselves with great care and dedication.

"Every morning and every evening I milk the goats—that's the rhythm of our life," says Jelena. "We prepare their feed ourselves, using what we grow on our farm. We know exactly what we eat and what our children eat, and that is our greatest wealth."

After completing her studies in Serbia and living in the city, Jelena made the decision to return to nature with her family and begin a new chapter by establishing a farm in a rural community.

"We see our future here in the countryside. We have clean air, clean water, and food that we produce ourselves, so our children are growing up in a healthy environment."

Jelena is one of 3,375 women in Montenegro who manage their own agricultural holdings. An increasing number of women are establishing modern farms and family businesses, contributing not only to the development of agriculture but also to transforming rural life across the country.

"Today we have access to modern equipment. We don't milk the goats by hand—we use milking machines. Life is easier because we have good roads and everything is within reach. I don't feel deprived of anything here," Jelena explains.

She encourages other young women to consider returning to rural areas, pointing out that living and working conditions have improved significantly compared to the past.

"Life here is certainly better because we produce our own healthy food and know exactly what our children are eating. With the support of your family, nothing is too difficult."

With support from the European Union's IPARD II Programme, Jelena received grant funding to develop rural tourism. Seventy per cent of her investment in the construction of three traditional mountain cottages will be reimbursed through EU funds, while the Government of Montenegro has exempted the investment from VAT.

"This support is a tremendous encouragement for us. We want people to visit, taste our homemade products, and experience the beauty of life in the countryside," says Jelena.

With the support of their families, hard work, and determination, women like Jelena demonstrate that rural areas can be places of opportunity, prosperity, and a fulfilling life. They create new possibilities where few existed before, successfully combining tradition, knowledge, and modern agricultural practices.

On 15 October, the International Day of Rural Women, we celebrate all the women who sustain life in rural communities—those who produce food, raise families, preserve traditions, and strengthen local communities. Jelena Vujičić is just one of many inspiring women whose story represents countless others who have chosen to stay, create opportunities, and inspire future generations to recognize the richness and beauty of rural life.

Author: Ana Palibrk

This article is taken from the EUforME website.