Lucy Anderton on the importance of supporting rural, regional women

As an outgoing State Chair of the RWA, I have seen the huge importance of providing a platform to amplify the voices of women making a difference in rural communities and to connect them with other like-minded women. By elevating and mentoring women to create pathways for success in rural communities we are helping to establish and increase the impact women have on all aspects of remote and regional communities, whether it be financial or community minded.

Rural women wear multiple hats—balancing roles as business owners, community volunteers, parents, and professionals, making their contributions vital to the well-being of rural communities. They are also key to the success of the regional economy, contributing approximately $148 billion annually.

Unfortunately, it is obvious that women in rural and regional Australia still face significant barriers in achieving their highest potential. These include the undervaluing of their economic contribution, deep-seated cultural expectations about gender roles and financial limitations and independence which prevent many women from fully participating in decision-making processes and leadership roles. As such, it is extremely important that we continue to support and empower regional women in order to overcome these barriers.

Through my experience in working, networking and mentoring regional women, I believe there are a number of ways to do this. We need to foster leadership skills by supporting organisations that provide platforms to develop these skills and create networks for women in rural areas. We need to build strong networks for regional women by showcasing their achievements and create opportunities for mentorship and collaboration within the community. And we must promote gender balance by being mindful of gender representation at industry events and in decision-making roles, ensuring that women have equal opportunities to contribute and be heard.

My experience with the RWA program has been fantastic and I’ve loved standing on the shoulders of women committed to supporting rural communities and being inspired by the confidence of Rural Women’s Award alumni. This network provides critical support, friendships, and professional development opportunities and the skills learned through the program continue to benefit communities and industries long after participation.

In the spirit of collaboration and innovation, the web-based platform I developed, myFARMSMART is focused on empowering farmers to make data-driven decisions that improve profitability and manage risks in an increasingly variable climate. We’ve seen remarkable results, with farmers using the platform to strategically adapt their farming systems, reduce risks, and make informed investments.

We invite farmers and particularly female farmers to join us on this journey as we continue to innovate and support their success in an ever-changing agricultural landscape. myFARMSMART is ideal for women who want to be empowered, contribute to the on farm decision making process, improve family communications and make more informed decisions. We hope to see many of you connecting with this and collaborating with other women across regional Australia to continue to empower and support this key area of our society.