Women wanting to level up their leadership skills to contribute to narrowing the gender gap in agriculture still have time to apply for the National Farmers' Federation flagship Diversity in Agriculture Leadership Program.
The mentorship-based initiative aims to deliver on the NFF's goal to double the number of women in agriculture's leadership ranks by 2030 - a goal the industry is well on its way to achieving and was deservedly celebrated at a five-year anniversary dinner for the Program.
The NFF's first female 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."
Alex Thomas is one the change-makers from the program, graduating in 2020. Alex is based in regional South Australia and 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. 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."
