The Role of Women in Attaining Sustainability in Rural Areas: Smart Village Transformation
摘要
The Arab world spans an area of 13,132,327 km2 over two continents—Africa and Asia. The region’s natural diversity—plains, valleys, deserts, and mountains—shapes a rural lifestyle built on strong family ties. Men often provide for their families, while women play key roles in household management and seasonal farm work. This setting has inspired many women to launch entrepreneurial projects promoting sustainable community development. According to World Bank, UNDP, and ESCWA reports, rural populations made up 43% of the Arab world in 2022, with around 80% living below the poverty line. Investing in these areas is essential for addressing major challenges such as unemployment, migration, and school dropout rates. Such efforts are crucial for ensuring long-term stability and development in rural communities. This study highlights that the main challenges facing rural areas are the significant gap between them and major cities, in both infrastructure and cultural norms. To bridge this gap, efforts should focus on improving education and empowering women to contribute to household and community development. The study also explores the potential of transforming rural regions into smart villages—an ambitious yet promising approach to sustainable progress.