The macro-level changes have their effects on the situation of rural people and rural women. The role of agriculture as a source of employment is decreasing in rural areas. However, the largest group of rural women in the project countries are women farmers in Poland. The number of private women farmers is increasing with the privatization of agricultural production in some countries, while the agricultural population and the number of agricultural workers are decreasing. Many rural women are working occasionally in less demanding jobs or only in the household.
Unemployment is followed by social problems such as alcoholism, malnutrition, crimes and illness.
The level of education is low in rural areas, and rural women are less educated than rural men. Education, training and extension in home economics, nutrition and rural entrepreneurship are particularly needed. The participation and interest of women in public life and in political decision-making is low at both local and national levels. The family size and number of children is relatively small. Inside families, household activities, household management and infant and child care are women's responsibilities.