Sponsorship helps EP women Step into Leadership

A program that’s helping Eyre Peninsula women develop the skills to step into leadership roles has been given a boost through the sponsorship of a local agriculture organisation.

Ag Innovation and Research Eyre Peninsula (AIR EP) has sponsored the 2024 Stepping into Leadership Program, run annually by Women Together Learning (WoTL), a non-profit organisation that tailors programs and events to meet the needs of women in all agricultural industries Australia wide.

Stepping into Leadership (SIL) offers women in agriculture and rural communities the opportunity to access professional development, coaching, networking and mentoring support. It’s specifically designed to train and support emerging leaders, to equip them with the leadership skills they need to achieve their goals.

AIR EP Executive Officer Naomi Scholz said the SIL program enabled women to expand their leadership potential and build a network of industry and professional connections to support them into the future.

“Women working in agriculture in rural areas like the EP can find it challenging to access tailored professional development training that meets the needs of our industry,” Ms Scholz said.

“Many women in this sector are working in small to medium enterprises – often on family farms. Time to take on additional learning is tight as they might be juggling the demands of a farming business, family commitments, off-farm work and community work. Travelling to regional centres or Adelaide for training is also often out of the picture due to cost and the time away from home and work required.

“For a lot of rural women, they’re also missing out on the industry or mentoring connections or other resources that could help them build their skills or connect with other like-minded businesswomen.

“Stepping into Leadership has already changed the lives of women in agriculture here on the EP, with its mix of flexible learning styles and the way it provides invaluable connections for participants to other women in the industry.

“Through the sponsorship of this program, AIR EP is supporting the continued professional development of women in agriculture on the EP and we’ve been encouraged to see the growth and development of our region’s newest female leaders in agriculture.”

Mount Drummond local Danielle Meaney was one of the 15 SIL program participants for 2024.

Working part-time on the family’s mixed cropping and sheep farm, as well as two days a week off-farm as an occupational therapist, and being a mum of four means Mrs Meaney has plenty of demands on her time. She said the SIL program has been life-changing in helping her set personal and professional goals, and achieve a stronger work-life balance.

“I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to do this program,” Mrs Meaney said.

“The program has been really accessible – most of our webinars were online, so I could join in from anywhere. One morning I was driving the stone roller and it was time for the session, so I just pulled up and called in from the roller.”

The program connects participants with experienced mentors and facilitators, as well as focusing on building connections between the women themselves.

“I enjoyed connecting with other women who all worked in agriculture, but came from a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences and ages,” Mrs Meaney said.

For Mrs Meaney, the program has provided the tools and knowledge to reassess what she focusses on professionally and personally.

“One of the main reasons I wanted to do this program was to look at the way I use my time, and what I give my energy to,” she said.

“This program has really given me the tools and connections to do that. I’ve learnt to be more intentional about what I choose to do, I’m working on setting boundaries in the juggle of life.”

For Cummins farmer Tamara Modra, the SIL program has not only given her a deeper understanding of her personal and professional goals, but it’s also helped her embrace the title of ‘farmer’.

“I’ve previously not considered myself to be a farmer. I’ve called myself a mum who helps out on the farm and does the bookwork, but allowing myself to embrace that title has been a great outcome of the program for me,” Mrs Modra said.

Through the program’s self-discovery focus, and through being partnered with a supportive mentor, Mrs Modra has learnt plenty that she plans to take back to use on the farm and in her local community.

“It’s been a fantastic opportunity to do some self-development, to work out my strengths and areas for improvement and where I want to go in the future, as well as how I can help out in my community to make it a great place for future generations,” Mrs Modra said.

Applications for the 2025 Stepping into Leadership program are open. For more information, visit the WoTL website.

For more information about AIR EP, visit the AIR EP website.