Learning opportunity for rural women
Published 11 March 2016. Last Tuesday was International Women's Day. It is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements, from the political to the social – while calling for gender equality...
Last Tuesday was International Women's Day. It is a worldwide event that celebrates women’s achievements, from the political to the social – while calling for gender equality.
International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labour movements at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe. Since those early years, it has assumed a new global dimension building support for women's rights and participation in the political and economic arenas.
While women in Australia have many more opportunities than in other parts of the world, it is recognised that there is a lack of opportunities for professional development for women involved in agriculture and related industries.
In 2015, Watershed Landcare received funding from the Central West LLS to run a personal development program for women involved in the agricultural industry.
“The 2015 Women in Agriculture Program was very successful and we received positive feedback from those involved.” said Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, Agness Knapik.
“Watershed Landcare has identified championing rural women as a valuable initiative and the Committee has decided to support this group into the future.” she continued.
The Women in Ag group provides participants with support, mentoring, professional development and vibrant and interactive conversation. The women involved have diverse backgrounds, from grazing and horticulture to running their own food manufacturing plants and natural resource management.
“We meet once a month for a cuppa and a chat and to explore a topic of interest.” said Ms Knapik.
“Sometimes that involves skills sharing and we also engage specialist speakers to run workshops on different topics.” she continued.
Last month the Women in Ag group got hands-on with fermenting all sorts of goodies during a fermenting workshop with Christine Corner of Crave Natural. The next meeting will be all about preparing the veggie garden for winter.
The Watershed Landcare Women in Ag group meet on the last Wednesday of the month, 9-11am.
Want to join? Contact Watershed Landcare Co-ordinator, Agness Knapik, on 0435 055 493 or email: info@watershedlandcare.com.au
The Women in Agriculture group is supported by Watershed Landcare through partial funding from the Australian Government's 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants and the Central Tablelands Local Land Services.