How Australian Farm Women Share Their Management Skills

The future role of rural women in decision making, demands keeping pace with the rapid changes experienced in agriculture. These significant changes influence women’s role in management decisions in rural Australia, requiring acceptance of their participation at ‘higher levels'. To achieve this ‘breaking down ’ of prejudice, knowledge and skills training must be available to all rural people. The development of women's confidence, self worth and credibility is essential, but so too is the progress of male learning skills, abilities and expectations. Communicating leads to understanding and tolerance. This requires active listening and respect for diverse opinions. Sharing this information willingly, will achieve mutual benefits. Recognising, valuing and utilising this accumulated wisdom, will create harmony. Initiatives that helped women to lead during difficult times in farming, proved their value ‘on farm Expanding these into all aspects of Agriculture, will ensure integrity and balance in deciding future policy development.