The stereotypical ‘farmer’ in Australia is imagined to be a middle-aged man, who owns a ute and loves the outdoors.
But what about the 40 per cent of Australian farmers who are women?
There has been a lot of progress in the agricultural sector, however there is still a long way to go to see more women in positions of leadership.
Women and men are known to think differently, therefore the most rounded and representative outcomes result from when men and women work together.
We need to move towards having more women on boards and committees to represent the agricultural community as a whole.
Women are more likely to study agriculture at a tertiary level than men with enrolment figures at the University of Melbourne being from 53 to 57pc in the last three years.
Nationally, 52.4 per cent of students studying undergraduate agriculture were women in 2016.
These figures demonstrate that women are engaged in agriculture.
We now need to take steps to ensure leadership opportunities are open to them.
Agriculture is a very broad field, which provides a platform to link people from rural and metropolitan areas.
Careers vary from office roles to being out in the field every day.
There are many initiatives currently running to empower women in the industry, with the Victorian Government reestablishing the Victorian Rural Women’s Network from July 1.
The role of these initiatives, programs and awards is important, as it reinforces the success of women’s achievements in the agricultural industry.
Everyone thinks differently, and those thoughts should be given due recognition.
It is when we collaborate, acknowledging all opinions and viewpoints, that we form the best ideas, and then can create the best outcomes.
To sign up for the Victorian Rural Women’s Network go to: http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/food-and-fibreindustries/rural-womens-network