RURAL women across the state can now apply for the 2023 Rural Women’s Network Leadership and Mentoring Programs.

Launched on December 23, both the 2023 Leadership Program and the 2023 Mentoring Program aim to encourage and empower participants to have an active voice and role in the agriculture sector.

The 2023 Leadership Program will support women to participate in training and study that accelerates their development as leaders, with participants working closely as a group to explore issues impacting rural women, learn from subject matter experts, and connect with other rural women from across Victoria.

The 2023 Mentoring Program will pair rural women together for a peer-to-peer exchange of skills and experience.

Working with skilled facilitators, participants will identify individual, career or business goals and work to implement change with the support and accountability of their mentoring partner.

Agriculture Victoria policy and programs executive director Sarah-Jane McCormack said the programs recognise the value of women in our growing agriculture sector.

“Women are essential to our sector’s success; however, Victorian women remain underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles,” Ms McCormack said.

“Today’s programs help address that gap, by equipping rural women with the skills and confidence to participate in more leadership and decision-making positions.”

Since 2017, the Victorian Rural Women’s Network has supported 44 women to access best-practice leadership development training.

The network was established in 1986 as a forum for women to share skills, resources and information for collective benefit.

In May this year, the state government committed a further $1.38 million so the network can continue delivering programs.

Leanne Mulcahy knows first-hand the benefits of the programs, having participated in the 2022 Leadership Program.

“Networking and collaboration between rural women leaders is important; it supports development and sustainability for rural industries and communities,” Ms Mulcahy said.

Applications for both programs close at 5pm on February 13, 2023.

For more information and to apply for either program, visit the Agriculture Victoria website.