Women in Agri-tech

Building a strong network of female leaders in digital literacy, STEM and entrepreneurship across regional, rural and remote Australia.

The Women in Agri-tech program was created to foster a powerful network of female teachers who become leaders in digital literacy, STEM and entrepreneurship in regional, rural and remote areas. Guided by female researchers, professionals and entrepreneurs, these teachers developed engaging learning resources to inspire the next generation of girls in the classroom, helping them see the incredible opportunities available to them in Agri-tech.

At the heart of the program was a unique Agri-tech accelerator competition, giving female students the chance to partner with their teachers and develop real entrepreneurship skills in an industry that needs them.

The agricultural industry is changing. The ever-increasing use of technology across the supply chain demands a workforce with higher degree skills in STEM and entrepreneurship to drive the digital transformation of the sector. Yet women remain significantly underrepresented. Currently, women make up close to 50% of the Australian workforce across all industries. In agriculture however, females represent only 30% of employees. More concerning is the lack of women in leadership positions, with only 14% of females in management roles and just 18% represented on boards. To change this trend, the next generation of young women, particularly those in regional, rural and remote communities need to be inspired and encouraged to consider a future in Agri-tech.