Program aims to further female farming figures

APPLICATIONS are now open for the Victorian Rural Women’s Network 2025-2026 Leadership and Mentoring Program.

The program is an initiative formulated to help more women working in the agriculture sector gain the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to support the next generation of Victoria’s farmers.

The 2026 cohort will receive mentorship and leadership training from leaders from both industry and government, equipping them with the tools needed to participate in leadership and decision-making.

The flagship program offers participants the opportunity to deepen their understanding of sector challenges, examine barriers facing women leaders, build insight into government and industry decision-making, and set purposeful goals for their leadership growth.

Costs are covered for each participant, including a bursary towards accommodation, childcare and travel costs.

Since its foundation in 1986, the Victorian Rural Women’s Network has played an important role in increasing the number of women in agricultural leadership positions as one of only a few programs in Australia tailored for women in the sector.

“Women make up a third of the agricultural workforce and contribute significantly to Australia’s food and fibre production and encouraging them into leadership is key to attracting and retaining more (of them) in the industry,” Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence said.

“This program gives rural women the tools to lead with confidence – building skills, networks, and opportunities that drive gender equality, economic participation, and empowerment across Victoria’s agriculture sector.”

To learn more about the program, including its guidelines, head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/networks/rural-womens-network