She is the vet, the chef, the teacher and the musterer. Often unspoken, their actions undermined, and, in a world stereotypically dominated by men, rural women have long been the unsung heroes of their communities. The positions rural women can adopt highlights the versatility of their skills and the complex nature of their roles.

Alana Johnston has become a trailblazer in the advocacy of rural women to hold leadership positions. “The story of rural women is absent, but it is absent in a way that that is more than just forgotten,” she says [1]. Unfortunately, due to the stereotypes and gender roles imposed on the rural lifestyle, women can often become invisible. However, they play a vital role in driving change in their communities through the wide array of hands-on skills they possess. Rural women are often brilliant entrepreneurs. This allows them to become financially independent, and the revenue from small businesses can not only boost the local economy (especially after COVID-19) but it can also be invested in solutions for local challenges. Such as improving schools, youth centres and establishing programs for younger rural women in their area. By Using these skills to create programs and opportunities for younger women in their community allows them to experience leadership, support and mentoring. This then, exposes the youth to new ideas and concepts, helping drive change in their community, whilst also giving them the courage to seek opportunities in metropolitan areas, allowing them to bring home new skill sets and ideas to their community.

What makes a good leader? Personally, I believe that compassion and sympathy are the most desirable qualities a leader can have. Compassion allows for the concern of for those in the community and sympathy allows for the understanding of their feelings towards the issue, task or problem. If the leader can understand the problem on an emotional level, not only can they better connect with their community, but they can implement an effective solution. Resilience follows closely behind, as leadership can be a testing. However, rural women have no doubt experienced drought, financial hardship, scorching summer days, they are tough by nature, and leaders by design. The complex nature of a rural community means that there are many challenges faced on a daily basis. Determination goes in hand with resilience, that is the determination; to improve communities, solve problems, and provide greater opportunities for those you represent. Rural women, through their unique skill sets, often possess all three qualities to a very high degree due to the roles they often adopt in their communities.

Kerrie Sagnol and Samantha Meurant are finalists in the 2020 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Awards [2]. Ms. Sagnol is developing a foundational level online course, designed as a confidence-building entry point into understanding and reviving soil. Ms. Meurant is the founder of the Rural Compass podcast. She wants to further develop a nationwide online directory, pointing people in the direction of purchasing and hiring from all rural, regional and remote businesses. Both women highlight the use of technology to improve the socialisation between rural and urban areas of Australia. They play an important role in connecting rural women with those in the city and bridge the gap of connectedness through the use of technology.
Rural women always have, and will continue to, drive change in their communities. Whether through leadership, the use of technology or highlighting their stories to inspire younger women, like myself and countless others across the country. There is do doubt rural women will play a vital role in fostering the courage to motivate others to drive change in their communities, proving that they are not invisible nor will they ever be.

REFERENCES:
1. Konrad Marshall. 2021. Rural women share stories of the ‘invisible farmers’. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/rural-women-share-stories-of-the-invisible-farmers-20150416-1mml54.html. [Accessed 19 July 2021].
2. Ministerial Media Statements. 2021. Rural women making their mark in 2020 – Ministerial Media Statements. [ONLINE] Available at: https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/89406. [Accessed 20 July 2021]