Leadership programme for rural women launched

Media information 16 September 2010

Leadership programme for rural women launched

A national initiative to develop leadership, governance and business capabilities for women in the rural sector was launched at Parliament yesterday by Agriculture Minister Hon David Carter.

Developed by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust, the Escalator programme is the first of two programmes created as a result of extensive research into the role of women in the rural sector and low participation rates at the leadership and governance level.

The Agri-Women’s Development Trust was formed last year by Lindy Nelson, an Eketahuna director and farmer, as part of her participation in the Kelloggs Rural Leadership Programme and her research on the barriers rural women face when wanting to take their existing skills to a new level.

The trust chair, Lindy Nelson, said the programme would capture a vast source of untapped potential in rural women. “It’s not about getting more women on boards, but about harnessing untapped potential and talent of rural woman and using this to address the challenges facing rural business, communities and people.”

The programme aims to create prospective future leaders with the necessary skills and capability to govern and lead rural organisations and communities.

Mr Carter said the programme reflected the best tradition of pioneering kiwi women. “The trust has identified an issue, drawn up a plan and followed through with practical action. I look forward to seeing the first graduates succeed and go to encourage and inspire other women to benefit our primary industries and country.”

“The business of agriculture needs the skills these women have developed, which include complex commercial and financial skills, understanding of global markets, the ability to set strategy and deliver on it, resilience and adaptability,” Mrs Nelson said.

Eleven women selected from throughout New Zealand for the inaugural year-long Escalator programme attended the first of six bi-monthly courses in Wellington last week. They will also take part in individualised distance learning and professional development by learning first-hand from industry leader mentors from participating organisations including Dairy NZ, Landcorp Farming, meat companies and local government.

“Each woman is mentored by an industry representative. We have had huge support from people prepared to put time aside to assist our women’s professional development,” Mrs Nelson said. “Interestingly, a lot of our mentors are men who recognise the potential for a higher level of involvement by women.”

“Escalator involves small numbers with the ability to make a big impact in the agricultural sector. It builds on the skills that women have accumulated within their businesses and communities and revives often latent skills gained earlier in their lives.”

This year’s participants include women who, prior to entering the rural sector, had careers in vet, law, farm advisory, writing and nursing. Others have international experience or degrees in languages, commerce, communication, education and food technology. “These are all women who have the potential to contribute significantly within the sector and the communities they live and work in,” said Mrs Nelson.

“Their lives invariably combine supporting a farming business, motherhood and extensive community involvement. This programme specifically addresses barriers rural women face in taking their skills to the next level.”

The programme is strongly supported by the Silver Fern Farms educational trust, Burnside Hart, Beef + Lamb, Lottery Grants Board and Asure Quality. Interest in and support for the programme had been strong from across the agricultural sector.

The trust’s second programme, “First Steps” will be launched early next year. This community-based programme is a two-day exploratory workshop which aims to give women greater confidence and insight into the value potential of their skills and a sense of their potential.

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