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Women of the outback - the unsung
heroes of rural and regional Australia
Australian women in rural and regional Australia are supported by many advocacy Not For Profit organisations committed to recognising and advancing their various contributions to the economy and social fabric of outback Australia. By Tamara Stephensen
local businesses, and working tirelessly to en- sure that Australians living in the outback con- tinue to thrive. Through these Not For Profits, a platform is pro- vided where rural and regional women can connect, learn, and most importantly, share their unique challenges and triumphs. The connection between these organisations and rural and regional women runs deep. The unique challenges faced by those liv- ing in rural and regional areas are well understood – from the isolation that can come with living far from services and family, to the mental and emotional toll of farming and rural and regional life. Yet, despite these challenges, rural and regional women have always found ways to rise above them. They are innovators, leaders, and changemakers who have continually demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance.
In 2025, Australia ranked 13th globally in the World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report, mark- ing its highest ever position since the index began in 2006. With around 30 per cent of Australians living in rural and regional areas, one might reasonably ask the question “what is being done to ensure women living in non-metropolitan centres are accounted for in this positive trend towards gender equality?”. Australia is fortunate to have many advocacy Not For Profit organisations serving as pillars of support for women living in rural and regional areas of the country. The members of these Not For Profits, which include Country Women’s Association of Australia, Australian Women in Agriculture, and The National Rural Women's Coalition, are everyday women who are the backbone of rural and regional communities – managing farms, raising families, supporting
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