TAF PUBLISHING

The present study aims to explore the role of women over time in local, sustainable development in a Greek island, Rhodes. The present research is qualitative. A semi-structured interview is the data collection tool that is structured based on the four interrelated axes of sustainability: economic, social, cultural, and environmental. The research sample comprises women from the city and villages of Rhodes, aged over 65, as the research focuses on the middle of the last century. The survey results show that women's participation has been particularly important in the economic development of the island, as they have helped significantly in the rural work, along with housework. Moreover, their role as mothers in supporting the family institution has been fundamental, while at the same time, they have been mostly involved in training and bringing up children. Their involvement in the local customs was discreet, although they offered exceptional works of art, loom, embroidery, and other creations that decorated the houses. Concerning the environment, their habits were environmentally friendly. Generally, they have made a decisive contribution to the sustainable development of the island. The findings imply that it is important to study tradition in-depth to highlight the importance of the role of women and creatively utilize it in the context of sustainable local development.