Women on Agricultural Boards Project

Australian Women in Agriculture is committed to supporting our members to step confidently into leadership roles across the industry. This three-year initiative is designed to increase female representation on boards, strengthen leadership skills, and address systemic barriers to gender equity in agriculture. Below, explore the project's core objectives and the structure that will deliver real change.

“Women are underrepresented on boards and this does not reflect the extraordinary contribution they make.”

Background

The Australian Women in Agriculture National Conference celebrating 30 years of impact in September this year, demonstrated the need to support members in achieving a seat at the table. Women’s representation at board levels remains a sticky issue for the Australian agriculture industry. The latest figures from the Department of Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries shows that women make up 31% of the Australian agriculture industry. However, WGEA data from 2024 illustrates that women only comprise 19% of board roles, and just 2% of CEO or equivalent roles. Furthermore, according to WGEA (2024) only 18% of agriculture organisations/businesses have a formal policy/strategy to support and gender equity and have a target set to increase the representation of women. Australian Women in Agriculture is on a mission to change the landscape of agricultural leadership and representation to ensure gender equity in decision making and strategic direction.

In November 2024 Australian Women in Agriculture held a webinar with Cathy McGowan and Narelle Hooper launching the 3 year AWiA Women on Agricultural Boards project for members. Cathy and Narelle shared insights and practical tips to over 130 registrants.

“Women comprise 19% of the Agriculture industry governing bodies/boards roles”

Project Objectives

The Women on Agricultural Boards project has three primary objectives –

  1. Increased Female Representation on Boards

  2. Empower Women Through Leadership Development: Equip 120 Women across rural and regional Australia with the skills, confidence and networks to take on leadership roles.

  3. Foster Systemic Change: Build awareness of the importance of gender diversity and address systemic barriers that limit women’s participation in board leadership.

Project Structure

Upskilling

Workshops and training sessions will equip participants with essential skills, including strategic planning and effective communication. Tailored for women in agriculture, this component ensures participants are prepared to excel in leadership roles.

Mentoring

The mentoring program will pair aspiring female leaders with experienced board members and industry leaders. Supporting “Board Ready” women through application and board appointment processes. With mentors such as Cathy McGowan and Narelle Hooper on board, this process will be incredibly powerful.

Support Hub

A centralised support hub will provide ongoing resources including.

· Access to board opportunities.

· Networking opportunities

· Advisory services and resources

Project Tiers

The project has 3 tiers to be inclusive of all AWiA members and create a pipeline of future leaders and board ready participants.

  • Tier 1: Board Ready

    Women currently on boards that are ready to increase their impact on paid boards or board executive roles.

  • Tier 2: Board Pathways

    Women already on a board or committee but just starting out on this journey and seeking extra support and pathways.

  • Tier 3: Board Future

    Women who are interested in upskilling, learning more about how they can make a difference in the future.

Meet the Mentors

  • Cathy McGowan

    Cathy  is the chair of AgriFutures Australia which is one of the 15 Research and Development corporations serving the Australia Agricultural sector.  She was formally the federal Member of Parliament for Indi and has an extensive background in community, not for profit and other boards. Cathy's book "Cathy Goes to Canberra" has recently been republished by Monash Uni.

  • Narelle Hooper

    Narelle is an award-winning business editor and author who has interviewed top global & amp; national business leaders and facilitated forums for CEDA, Chief Executive Women, the Business Council of Australia, ASIC, the AICD, the Global Summit of Women. Her career has spanned print, radio, TV and digital with the nation's leading media groups - the ABC, Australian Financial Review, SBS TV and BRW - and private business, NFP and government boards.

Upcoming events

  • 14 July 2025

    Performing your best on boards

  • 11 August 2025

    Turbo charging your role as a board member

  • 8 September 2025

    Financial management

  • 13 October 2025

    Due diligence -managing risk for influence

  • 21 November 2025

    National Ag Day -Advocating for women in ag policy

  • 8 December 2025

    Building influence - what’s next?

Applications for this program have closed, but there’s more to come

Join AWiA to stay up to date on future rounds, events, and opportunities to grow your leadership in agriculture.