Rooted in Strength: Female Empowerment in Agrotourism. Local Perspective from the Polish Carpathians

In mountainous areas’ development, small family businesses with low startup costs have boosted job opportunities, especially for women not in traditional work roles. Activities like agrotourism have been key in fostering entrepreneurship, supporting more jobs, and sustaining tourism. This blend of traditional farming and tourism helps rural areas tap into their natural assets for economic growth. Women working in agrotourism have been important in driving entrepreneurship and gender equality in these regions (Istenič, The Case of Slovenia, Gender, Place & Culture 22:670–2684, 2015). Their shift toward tourism activities is crucial in shaping sustainable development policies led by women in agricultural mountain areas. Sustainable tourism development represents a business activity that addresses the needs of both tourists and host communities. This chapter delves into the influence of female empowerment on the growth of sustainable agrotourism in the Polish Carpathians. It investigates opportunities and strategies for self-employment for women in rural Polish Carpathians, which have improved their economic and social status over the years, leading to empowerment through tourism. The study's objective is to gain a deeper understanding of women's involvement in agrotourism development in the Polish Carpathian Mountains, highlighting how their engagement empowers them socially within rural communities.