Abstract
Gender mainstreaming is an obligation for EU-funded programmes. Nevertheless, there are still deficits. This article examines to what extent LEADER as a core funding measure for rural development is able to adopt a gender mainstreaming approach. Based on evaluation results from the 2014–2022 funding period, we look at the development of women's participation and the impact of different framework conditions set in the RDPs. Results underline that the participation of women should be strengthened via „top-down“ regulations (like quotas). Several studies suggest that there are differences in social preferences and priorities between men and women. Our analyses suggest that this is also the case for some of the topics discussed within the LAGs. Responses to the survey question on project selection indicated that women have higher demands for gender equality in implementing projects than men.