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

The programs launched on December 23, both programs will encourage and empower participants to have an active voice and role in the agriculture sector.

The 2023 Leadership Program will provide women with support to participate in training and study that accelerates their development as leaders.

Participants will also work 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 executive director of policy and programs, Sarah-Jane McCormack, said the programs recognised 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 Victorian Government committed a further $1.38 million so the network could continue delivering programs.

Participant in the 2022 leadership program, Leanne Mulcahy knows first-hand the benefit of the programs and talked of its importance from her experience.

“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.