The definition of ‘rural woman’ is complex and ever-changing. A phrase that once only meant ‘farmer’s wives’ and ‘homemaker’ now means those things and more. It can now mean ‘farmer’ and ‘changemaker’. Rural women are consistently more disadvantaged than men and must battle stereotypes and societal expectations to justify their place and position in the world.

This is particularly prevalent in the field of local government. In a study conducted in 2018, only 15% of mayors and shire presidents across Australia were women. This is unacceptable. This figure means that many women across towns in Australia are not having their voices heard by their local government and as a result may be short-changed both economically and socially. Economically, by losing necessary funding for their communities and socially, by not being able to access services necessary for their local communities.

To combat the issue and to ensure that all women in rural communities’ voices are being heard, we need to get more women involved. Whether this is into politics, local communities or government. We need to give all women a voice, both individually and as a united force.

Thankfully, some organisations are already fighting for rural women.

One of these is the Country Women’s Association (CWA). The CWA was formed for precisely this reason in 1945 and is still going strong today. The CWA was created to provide one voice to the Australian Federal Government to advance the rights and equality of women in Australia. Organisations such as the CWA give rural women the opportunity to create change with like-minded people, that they may not have been able to previously. As Helen Keller, a rural woman once said ‘Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much’.  The CWA is ongoing proof that this mantra works. Their members include both rural and urban women, of all ages and cultures. If all remote and rural women had the opportunity to be welcomed into a community like this, think of the change/s that could be made.

There are many state-specific associations too, which help cater towards the exact needs of women in those states. Examples of these are the Queensland Rural, Regional and Remote Women’s Network Inc (QRRRWN), the South Australian Rural Women’s Gathering (SARWG) and the Victorian Rural Women’s Network (VRWN). All these organisations all have one thing in common, to help rural women in their multiple roles within their communities.

Many rural and remote women are volunteers, helping out in their communities by filling necessary roles, anywhere from firefighting to show-running. This large number of women volunteering means that many of the meaningful contributions made around our local communities were likely put in place and organised by women. From local events to new infrastructure, and you can bet that many women contributed and are continuing to be involved regularly to ensure these services are still running.

To sum it up simply, the role of rural women to drive change in their local community is a complex situation. It is driven by necessity and by a need to have their voices heard by all levels of government. Their role is to ensure that no matter where you live in Australia, there will be a community of rural women who will band together with you to help create and inspire change.

Sources

The Country Women’s Association of Australia 2021, About Us, The Country Women’s Association of Australia, viewed 22 July 2021, <https://www.cwaa.org.au/about-us/about-us>

Evans, M and Haussegger AM, V 2021, WHY ARE WOMEN SO POORLY REPRESENTED IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP AND WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT IT?, p.11, viewed 22 July 2021, <https://www.5050foundation.edu.au/assets/reports/documents/online-gender-diversity-co-design-workshop-1-.pdf>