Haylie Staunton | 16 Years | Nuriootpa High School | Nuriootpa, South Australia 

Social media and the internet. Those are 2 of the most accessible tools we have. It doesn’t matter who you are, if you are politician or a school student, The internet provides endless ways to be heard by a crowd all across the world. And it’s being used for exactly that, especially in the gender equality battle.

The internet isn’t a bias source. Sure, there’s plenty of bias articles and social media posts, but it shows the bigger picture through a collection of posts and perspectives. It provides us with fresh viewpoints that we haven’t thought about before, whoever that may be from. It doesn’t matter the gender, the age, or a location. Factual information and lived experiences are what stand out. They’re what get the most attention.

Under 16’s might be losing social media soon in the upcoming ban, but they still have the internet. Regardless of age, news platforms exist online, along with countless independent gender equality groups with their own websites and digital platforms. There are still platforms on the internet that let anybody share their thoughts and feelings, regardless of age or gender. There are plenty of places across the internet where gender equality is happening and where everyone’s voices are heard and respected equally.

The internet also holds another powerful tool, that being the information available. There’s always relevant information about gender equality, about the history of getting to where we are today and what’s next from here. And new statistics are regularly being published to join the collection of older ones, showing where we’re at in our journey. The internet holds advice and suggestions for filling the gaps and growing in our own communities, whether that be for advocating online or in person. It shows us what’s been done before and what worked, helping to plan for our own ideas. 

It shows us history on how far we’ve come. It shows us how much we’ve achieved when we’ve stuck together and spoken up. And it constantly keeps a record of what is still being done towards gender equality, along with what is still to come to make us all equal.

And technology is growing stronger as AI advances. From giving suggestions, creating social media content or posters, writing emails, and endless other possibilities, AI regularly supports the battle. It might still require regular fact checking to ensure the information it provides is correct, but it makes the rest of the process easy, encouraging more people to join the movement.

That’s how technology is redefining gender equality, through social media and all across the internet. That’s how innovation redefines through the impact AI has, both now and as it grows in the future.  It does the rounds in metropolitan areas, but it spreads further and has a stronger impact through rural and regional areas. Technology and innovation is redefining the future of gender equality in our rural and regional communities, making a lasting impact on all ages and all genders.

Hana Jarvis | 18 Years | Hellyer College | Burnie, Tasmania

As rural areas grow and change, technology and new ideas are helping to make things fairer between men and women. In the past, women in these communities were often left out when it came to school, jobs, and leadership roles. But now, thanks to things like the internet, mobile phones, and digital tools, women are getting more chances to learn, earn money, and take part in decisions. This shift is opening up new doors for equality and inclusion.

One of the biggest impacts of equality within technology is its ability to access information. Online learning platforms, mobile apps, and virtual classrooms are breaking down social barriers, allowing women and girls in remote areas to pursue education and skill development. Initiatives like mobile literacy programs and libraries are enabling women to learn at their own pace, often in environments where formal schooling is limited or inaccessible. Education is the cornerstone of empowerment, and technology is making it more accessible than ever.

Innovation is also redefining economic participation for rural women. Mobile banking and digital payment systems have revolutionized financial inclusion, allowing women to manage money, access credit, and start businesses without relying on traditional banking infrastructure. E-commerce platforms and social media marketplaces are enabling female entrepreneurs to reach broader audiences, sell handmade goods, and build sustainable livelihoods. Agricultural technologies, such as precision farming tools and mobile advisory services, are helping women farmers increase productivity and income, challenging the stereotype of agriculture as a male-dominated field.

Women in rural areas often struggle to get medical help because clinics are far away and cultural traditions can make it harder for them to seek care. But now, telemedicine and health apps are making things easier. With video calls, online check-ups, and health information sent to their phones, women can get support for pregnancy, birth control, and mental health without having to travel long distances.

Online tools are helping women speak up and get involved in decisions that affect their communities. Things like social media, discussion forums, and special apps give women places to talk about their rights, share stories, and help shape rules and policies. Programs that offer mentoring and leadership training online are also helping young women in rural areas become confident leaders, creating a more inclusive and fair environment for everyone.

Even though technology is helping, there are still some problems. Not everyone knows how to use digital tools, some people can’t afford them, and in some places, traditions make it harder for women to benefit from these changes. To make sure everyone gets a fair chance, we need to create policies that include everyone, involve local communities, and offer support where it’s needed most. Governments, charities, and businesses all need to work together to build better systems, teach people how to use technology, and make sure the tools they create work well for women in different situations.

Technology and innovation are not just tools—they are transformative forces that are redefining the future of gender equality in rural communities. By unlocking access to education, economic opportunity, healthcare, and civic engagement, they are empowering women to shape their own destinies and contribute meaningfully to their communities. The journey is ongoing, but the momentum is undeniable. With continued investment and inclusive innovation, a more equitable rural future is not just possible—it is within reach.

Bridgette Evans | 16 Years | Nhulunbuy High School | Nhulunbuy, Northern Territory

Bridgette’s New Chapter in Nhulunbuy 

My name is Bridgette, I am a 16-year-old girl who is always willing to try new things. I believe that the “Country to Canberra” trip would be an incredible opportunity for me to develop my leadership skills for my future career as a childcare educator. As a passionate, brave, and independent person, I’m always looking for new experiences to get me out of my comfort zone, and I believe this trip will be a great way to do that. My family and I recently moved from Queensland to the remote town of Nhulunbuy. While I miss the familiar comforts of my old home, I’m already in love with the stunning sunsets and the warm, genuine community here. The move has been a huge change, but I’m excited about the new opportunities and challenges it presents. 

One of the weirdest things about being in such a small town is the silence. It’s not that gentle kind of silence that only came occasionally when you were curled up in bed at night by yourself. It’s a silence that feels heavy, like the whole world is asleep and has forgotten to tell you. Back home in Queensland, it was so easy to reach for my phone and text my best friend whenever I wanted. We’d send each other photos or even just simple, quick texts like “you up, sis x?” without even thinking about how long it took to send or how much data it used. But here it’s all you think about, the phone service is so patchy and slow. There are whole-day stretches where we just completely lose signal. I know for people who grew up here, that’s just part of life. But coming from such a big city where we never lost service, it feels so strange. Some nights, I lie in bed listening to nothing but the occasional breeze rattling the window.  

Nhulunbuy isn’t like any remote town you’ve seen, though; it’s a beautiful town on the Gove Peninsula. It’s such a stunning place, shaped by the Yolŋu peoples, and that history is in everything, from the way the waves roll onto the shore to the way the sun reflects off the beach at sunset. It’s quiet in a way that feels so different from anywhere I have ever been. When I stand here and watch things happen, I can’t help but think that I belong here. Perhaps here is the location that I’ll be able to develop, take chances, learn, and feel at home in a way that is distinct from what I left behind in Queensland but equally as authentic and important. My surroundings seem to be saying to me, “There’s room for you; you have become a part of this story now.”  

Back in Queensland, it often felt like I was trapped, like barriers were holding me back from chasing my dreams or trying new things. I never really had the space to explore my interests or meet other young girls who shared the same passions. The Northern Territory offers so many local, connecting activities designed to help young women connect, learn, and grow together. I can truly picture myself creating something real, sharing my skills, and inspiring younger girls, showing them new possibilities and ways to shine.  

Leaving Queensland broke my heart in many ways. Now repaired in the gorgeous North East Arnhem Land. Arriving in Nhulunbuy, where the sights are phenomenal, the red earth stretches under endless skies, and the beaches shimmer at sunset, it doesn’t feel like a loss. This is just the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I’m ready to embrace it, one text at a time, one gathering at a time, and one sunrise where I feel more seen than ever before. 

Sage Eccles | 17 Years | Mansfield Secondary College | Mansfield, Victoria

Growing up in a rural community, I’ve seen the quiet strength of women who hold our towns together—mothers running farms, girls excelling in school despite limited resources, young women chasing dreams in places where opportunities can feel few and far between. But I’ve also seen the barriers. These are patchy internet that cuts out during an online class, long drives to see a doctor, and career options that seem narrower simply because of where we live.

Technology is changing that. Innovation is kicking down the walls that distance has built. Online learning means a girl in a small town can study engineering without leaving her living room. Telehealth means she can speak to a specialist without missing a day’s work. Social media and digital platforms mean her ideas can travel further than she ever could on a dirt road.

But here’s the truth: technology alone won’t close the gap. A fast laptop is useless if the internet’s unreliable. A coding course is pointless if no one encourages a girl to sign up. Innovation must be matched with intention. programs, policies, and mindsets that make sure rural women aren’t just given access, but are empowered to lead.

If I had the privilege of stepping into the Country to Canberra Power Trip, I would bring ideas that turn connection into opportunity. I’d propose Rural Women Rising, a nationwide mentorship network that pairs rural girls with inspiring women in STEM, politics, agriculture, and the arts meeting online and in person, so distance is never a barrier.

I’d also champion Digital Hubs for Equality—community spaces in rural towns with reliable internet, modern tech, and workshops where women can learn coding, business skills, and media production. These hubs could become launchpads for local leaders, job creators, and change-makers who might otherwise never get the chance to step into the spotlight.

On the Power Trip, I would use my voice to make sure rural stories are heard at the decision-making table. Too often, rural Australia is spoken about but not spoken with. I would speak for the girl who logs into her class from a dusty paddock, the woman who runs a business from a kitchen table.

My vision is this: technology should not pull us away from the community, it should strengthen it. It should give every rural girl the tools to dream big, act boldly, and lead fearlessly. Gender equality in rural Australia isn’t just about closing the gap; it’s about opening the gates and letting every young woman walk through without limits.

Caitlin Mara | 16 Years | Rockhampton Girls Grammar | Dysart, Queensland

Technology and innovation are indeed reshaping the future of gender equality in rural communities — but their true impact depends on how accessible and inclusive these advancements are. In small, isolated towns, physical distance has always been one of the my biggest barriers to opportunity. Historically, women and gender-diverse people in rural areas have faced limited access to higher education, career pathways, healthcare, and community networks. These barriers often meant that choices were restricted, not by ambition or ability, but by geography and deeply rooted societal norms.

Today, digital technology has the power to dismantle many of those constraints. The rise of high-speed internet (where available) and mobile connectivity allows people to engage with opportunities that once required relocation. Online education platforms mean that someone living hundreds of kilometres from a university can gain qualifications without leaving home. Virtual networking events, mentorship programs, and professional communities enable women and non-binary people to connect with role models and peers across the globe, broadening their horizons beyond the limits of a single postcode.

Innovation is also creating new pathways for economic empowerment. Social media, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing tools allow small rural businesses — often run by women — to reach national and international customers. Remote and hybrid work models open professional doors that were previously shut to rural workers, enabling them to participate in industries that once existed only in cities. Even in traditionally male-dominated sectors, like agriculture or trades, technology is shifting the landscape. Modern farming equipment, precision agriculture, and online business management systems can reduce the need for heavy manual labour and offer new roles that value technical knowledge and innovation skills over physical strength, helping to break down gender stereotypes.

In healthcare, “telehealth” is a transformative innovation. For many rural women and non-binary people, especially those with children, travelling long distances to see a doctor can be a major barrier. Virtual consultations (zoom calls etc.) reduce that burden, improving access to both general and specialist care. Importantly, technology can also connect people with services that address gender-based issues — such as domestic violence support lines, legal advice, and mental health counselling — which may be limited in small communities.

However, for technology to truly redefine gender equality in rural areas like mine, we must also address the gaps that can widen inequality. Poor internet infrastructure, digital literacy barriers, and the cost of devices or data plans can exclude those who could benefit the most. Furthermore, cultural resistance in rural communities can slow the adoption of change. For example, while online job opportunities may exist, social attitudes about “appropriate” work for women and non-binary people can still limit uptake.

Therefore, technology alone is not enough — it needs to be paired with education, training, and community programs that promote digital skills and challenge outdated gender norms. Governments, businesses, and local leaders have a role to play in ensuring that innovation reaches everyone, not just those with the means, money or confidence to access it.

Technology and innovation are powerful tools for equality, but they must be intentionally directed to include and empower all genders. When rural communities embrace both the tools and the mindset needed for inclusivity, we can create futures where geography no longer dictates opportunity — and where gender no longer defines possibility.