Name: Karrie Hills
Community/State: Rosedale, Queensland
School: Rosedale State School
Age/Grade: 16 Years, Year 10
“Life is a roadtrip with twists and turns. How can we support one another to navigate the road to gender equality?”
I’m an integral part of a proud farming family. My brother and I have been raised with the belief that either of us is capable of doing any of the jobs at hand. Luckily for us, this is not only the belief of my parents, but is also the belief of my grandparents and great grandparents. We’ve always been encouraged from a very young age to try whatever job need completing. Gender doesn’t come into it, we support each other.
What’s the difference? Why do people think there’s a difference? Men and women need to be recognised and valued for who they are. Gender inequality is an excuse that doesn’t stand up in today’s society.
Gender equality is achieved when men and women have access to the same rights, opportunities and responsibilities. Both men and women, together, fulfil important roles throughout the agricultural industry. Women make up 43% of the agricultural labour force in developing countries, they participate in all aspects of rural life (The University of Sydney, 2017).
Gender equality in agriculture has never been more important or publicised than at the moment with the coverage of the ongoing drought across the Eastern states. The farming women are important in daily chores such as feeding and checking cattle, without them there may not be as many farmers alive as there are today. The women and men together hold the key to getting their family and farms through the drought. There is no such thing as gender inequality in such tough circumstances, we all work together to achieve the same goal.
If we are going to change inequality we need to empower women. Men, women and the younger generation need to be given opportunities to be upskilled and share their knowledge with each other. We should also reflect on their own issues, create solutions and hold discussions. These are ways we can navigate the road together. Many believe that gender equality will bring long term economic and social benefits. When diversity is valued, people tend to enjoy their lifestyle more.
When you work in a gender equal workplace, you’ll feel the difference, it needs to be kept in the spotlight as we move into a more advanced society. Each gender will support each other through respecting, listening and working together. Once we all do this, the road will become smoother and straighter.