In the lead up to International Day of Rural Women, AgriFutures Australia is encouraging you to share your stories about the inspiring women you know, who are shaping the future of rural, regional and remote Australia. A hashtag #hatsofftoruralwomen has been launched across AgriFutures Australia’s social media channels to capture these conversations and to bring to light the various events taking place on Thursday, 15 October 2020.
The United Nations’ theme for this International Day of Rural Women is “Building rural women’s resilience in the wake of COVID-19,” to create awareness of rural women’s struggles, their needs, and their critical and key role in our society.
AgriFutures Australia Managing Director John Harvey said with COVID-19, and the absence of physical events where we usually come together to share one another’s stories and achievements, it’s even more important to jump online and continue to celebrate the contributions of women to rural Australia.
“We will be showcasing inspiring women who are playing a critical role in enhancing and developing our agricultural industries and communities,” said Mr Harvey.
Some of these women include Margie Bale, one of Australia’s only camel veterinarians. Margie’s most recent achievement is a research project supported by our AgriFutures Australia’s Emerging Industries Program which saw the development of a new test that can confirm pregnancy in wild camels.
“Now there is a simple blood test for camel pregnancy that can be performed safely, efficiently, and reliably at the point of capture. Buyers from camel dairies have confidence now when they’re expanding their herds with wild camels, and we’re all not relying on the common theory that a pregnant camel holds her tail straight all the time,” said Ms Bale.
