Three videoconferences were held in October and November 2005 in the context of the forum on Mainstreaming gender equity in development planning and management in rural territories: sharing significant experiences. The videoconferences were attended by 115 professionals involved in development projects in rural territories; representatives of public, private, regional, international and research institutions; and NGOs and organizations in the Central American region, Colombia and Ecuador. People involved in programs and projects supported by RUTA, especially the IFAD projects, also participated.

This forum, which was held in the context of the international series of forums on global experiences and dialogues, was organized by the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), with the participation of the World Conservation Union (IUCN), the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN) and RUTA.

The first videoconference, in gender and the environment, was held on 14 October. It dealt with the relationship between gender and natural resources issues in the management of programs and projects for the development of rural territories.

The second videoconference, on gender equity and rural labor markets, was held on 28 October, with the goal of encouraging discussion on the need for insertion and integration of female entrepreneurs and rural workers in the market. The third videoconference, on technologies for reducing rural poverty, was held on 11 November. This videoconference encouraged the sharing of experiences on closing the gaps in regard to gender equity and poverty reduction.

A group of students in the Master’s program of the Population Center of the University of Costa Rica (UCR) were briefed on the work being done by the RUTA project in their field of study.

The gathering was carried out in an activity called “Coffee with RUTA” which was held at RUTA Headquarters in San José, with the participation of staff of the Regional Technical Unit.