 |
|
|
|
|
Download full report (150k) This publication is only available a an electronic download
by Deborah Kerr & Nell Snaidero
August 2006
RIRDC Publication No 06/057 RIRDC Project No IRE-7A
Executive Summary
It has previously been identified
that more women desire that their work and presence on family farms, in
the community and related rural industries be recognised by all levels
of government, farmers, agribusiness and agricultural organisations (Haslam-McKenzie
1998).
Rural women are involved in every facet of rural life, directly contribute $4 billion or 30% of all farm output (RIRDC 2005 & Troeth 2004), and yet remain poorly represented at a regional industry level let alone in senior leadership positions.
Consequently, in 2002 the Federal Government acted on the untapped potential of women in rural Australia, by sending a delegation of inspired rural women to the World Congress of Women in Spain.
This initiative was supported by GRDC, RIRDC, Horticulture Australia and various industry and agribusiness groups.
In November 2002 Riverina participants of the World Women’s Congress addressed a regional dinner in Leeton at which possible options to address identified needs to encouraging increased participation by women.
Riverina Agricultural Women (RAW) has created interest and support throughout the irrigation communities of southern NSW. The group has participants from all broad acre and horticultural irrigated agricultural industries.
The desired outcomes were to provide support and encouragement networks, to build confidence and to develop leadership skills that can be utilised at family, community and industry levels. There was also the opportunity for women involved to progress past the regional focus to national programs such as participation in the RIRDC Rural Women’s Award and Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Forestry Industry Partnerships – Corporate Governance for Rural Women.
RAW developed activities to encourage to contribution of women to irrigated agriculture in Southern NSW. In the future, this will provide an excellent human resource to the community, industry and the region.
Despite the initiative, a
number of barriers have been identified. These include the impact of the
worst drought on record on the discretionary spending of rural women, travel
distances, commitment to school timetables, provision of childcare facilities
and culture.
 
|