Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” 

To fully understand the role of rural women in creating change, we must understand the role of women in history. Women have always been marginalised, forgotten from the pages of history, their stories and attainments being often overlooked and unacknowledged. Change happens when a group of people realise that the current system they are a part of is built to work against them. That group of people, whom
the system marginalises, become the driving force of change. A woman’s role has often been subjugated to domesticity, with their jobs and responsibilities being traditionally associated with her household and family. However, in a changing world, the role of a rural woman becomes contested, with more women joining the workforce, pursuing leadership, and undertaking entrepreneurship. 

The involvement of women in the decision-making aspects of a community can create real change in the development of a region. Many women in our regional communities today are not given the opportunity to or, are undermined in their capability of handling leadership roles. This is due to a historical bias in how society sees women and the assumption that they are born to be ‘ruled’. However, research proves that leadership positions in communities rely on qualities that come naturally to women, such as attention to detail, calculated thinking, long-term strategic vision and community development. In Queensland, a women-led administration demonstrates the power and impact of women involved in politics and showcases the influence political roles have in making tangible changes in society. In this way, women in rural communities should aspire to be leaders in their local community by getting involved in local elections or opting for senior positions in their corporations. Especially in regions, women in power can lead to significant changes as they bring a new perspective that creates change and can give the current regional political scenes a breath of fresh air. 

In many rural communities, the population depends on a range of local businesses for the services and goods that they need. A role that women in rural communities can perform is to create and manage their own businesses. Small businesses are known for giving back to the community, providing things to local shelters, schools, and charities. In the workforce, women are often forced to cut back on their careers due to their family commitments, forcing them to leave the workforce. However, entrepreneurs have better control of their workload and can balance their family life and work. Managing a small business can give rural women a sense of control and financial autonomy, and an opportunity to get involved in the local community. 

The most important role women play in creating change in their communities is empowering other women to do the same. Encouraging them, defending them, and making sure other women are at the top of their game creates a society of strong, trailblazing women who are not confined by doubts and insecurities but are confident to be leaders of the next generation. Women in politics, women as CEO’s, women in sport, mothers in the workforce, change makers, and role models whose stories make headlines in history. In regional Queensland, the involvement of women in politics and entrepreneurship will create significant change in their rural communities. Women, who have been marginalised by society repeatedly, have constantly challenged social hegemonies for their right to be recognised. Therefore, the role of rural women is to pursue leadership, overturn pre-existing societal prejudices, and by that, be the driving force of change in their communities.