REGIONAL women with an eager passion for agriculture are being called upon to help narrow the gender gap in agriculture and take advantage of a leadership program to further their skills in the sector.
The mentorship-based initiative aims to deliver on the National Farmers' Federation goal to double the number of women in agricultures leadership ranks by 2030.
The National Farmers Federation flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program is still accepting applications and SA-based graduate Alex Thomas wants women to get active, and get involved.
As one of the change-makers from the 2020 program, Ms Thomas founded PlantASeedForSafety, a rural social change initiative for Australians and New Zealanders.
"Immersing myself in the intellectual powerhouse that is the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program has been nothing shy of a shot in the arm," Ms Thomas said.
"It was a much-needed boost of confidence, inspiration and connectedness that has empowered me to take bold and necessary steps within both my businesses and my personal life."
The Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program provides 12 women a five-month intensive one-on-one mentoring opportunity. Applications are open until April 25.
NFF president Fiona Simson said the program had surpassed expectations, with more than 120 women applying for the first intake and interest growing each year, while also drawing the attention of industry, with global agribusinesses to small representative organisations coming on board as program partners.
"These partners are driving change through addressing the gender pay gap, improving parental leave, introducing board quotas, providing more flexible workplaces, establishing dedicated breast feeding rooms and ensuring women are represented on recruitment panels."
"Last week we heralded the 41 women who I am so proud to call the Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program alumni. Women with diverse skills and backgrounds, all with a vision for the future of Australian agriculture.
"I cannot wait to see what our 2022 cohort will gain from the Program and go on to achieve, as I know our sector and regional communities will be the better for their contributions.
Find out more here https://nff.org.au/programs/diversity-in-agriculture-leadership/.
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