We imagine of a future in which women, and individuals of all genders, can flourish and thrive. 

A world in which women are recognised for their tenacity, their drive, their ability to lead - but how does this world become a reality? 

To create a better, more equitable future, we have to understand the unique sets of challenges faced by individuals from different cultures, backgrounds, and communities, as well as genders. 

We have to acknowledge and address inequality through an intersectional lens. 

Beyond a buzzword – intersectionality implies an approach that considers the complex, and layered nature of barriers to equality.  

The term was coined in 1989 to describe the way in which gender, race, class, and other individual characteristics intersect and overlap with one another in the context of rights and equality (Coaston, J). 

Intersectionality isn’t divisive, doesn’t mandate labels, rather, asks that we understand people’s differences to create stronger, more meaningful unions with one another. 

We know that the impacts of gender-based inequality are compounded for women of colour, including indigenous women, women from marginalised backgrounds, and rural women across the world (UN women). 

There are sets of barriers we must address to genuinely empower the women of our communities. 

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) are interlinked: UNSDGs 5 (Gender Equality), 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) in particular, go hand in hand. 

To address a myriad of wicked problems, we need to create webs of strong, multilateral connections to support and uplift one another. 

The AgriFutures Australia’s Rural Womens Award (RWA), for example, aims to empower and celebrate the inclusive, and courageous leadership of women involved in Australia’s rural and emerging industries, businesses, and communities (will cite AgriFutures here as this is nearly word for word). 

Our CEO, and previous recipient of the RWA Queensland, Jacqui Wilson-Smith, says beyond achievement and recognition, the RWA is about collaboration, building connections and relationships with like-minded, pioneering women across rural Australia. 

The RWA alumni are a powerful network of talented women, driving innovation and change for better across Australian industries and businesses. 

The support and guidance of groups like these, are invaluable for women looking to break barriers and make their mark in the world. 

Being part of a community, brings strength, security, and gives agency to individuals fighting for change. 

These spaces that acknowledge and celebrate diversity, that strive to uplift individuals from all walks of life, and nurture ambition in all its forms are essential for the creation of a better, brighter world. 

The future is exciting, it is diverse, it is inclusive, and women will boldly drive this evolution!! 

The AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award is open for the next month. 

Step up and showcase your strength, or show your support: tap another inspiring, driven woman on the shoulder. 

For more information, click here: https://www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/ 

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AgriFutures. Agrifutures Rural Women’s Award. https://www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/rural-womens-award/ 

 Coaston, J. (2019) The intersectionality wars. Vox. https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/2019/5/20/18542843/intersectionality-conservatism-law-race-gender-discrimination 

UN Women (2020). Intersectional feminism: what it means and why it matters right now. https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/stories/2020/6/explainer-intersectional-feminism-what-it-means-and-why-it-matters